The commander of Canada’s high-profile mission to Latvia has been charged by military police.
Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, issued a statement Tuesday, March 31 noting that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service had charged Col. James Smith.
Smith is charged with one count of neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline pursuant to Section 129 of the National Defence Act.
“The charge stems from a military police investigation that began in May 2025 into the receipt of compensation and benefits, afforded by the Canadian Armed Forces,” Hanrahan stated.
Smith is commander of the Canadian military’s Task Force Latvia.
“Should the charge proceed to prosecution, the member will be tried in the military justice system,” Hanrahan added. “As with all judicial proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
Smith remains in command of Task Force Latvia at the present time.
He has not provided comment.
“Canadian Joint Operations Command is aware that Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged Colonel James Smith with one charge pursuant to section 129 of the National Defence Act,” Canadian Forces spokesperson navy Lt. Pamela Hogan stated in an email. “As this matter is before the military justice system, it would be inappropriate to comment on the evidence or the charge.
“In parallel, and in keeping with Canadian Armed Forces policy, the Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command is assessing what actions, if any, may be required as a result of the charge.”
Canadian Joint Operations Command staff and members of Task Force Latvia co-operated fully with investigators throughout the course of the investigation, Hanrahan stated.
David Pugliese is an award-winning journalist covering Canadian Forces and military issues in Canada. To support his work, including exclusive content for subscribers only, sign up here: ottawacitizen.com/subscribe