The commander of Canada’s Latvia mission has been temporarily removed from his position in the wake of being charged by military police.
Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, issued a statement Tuesday that he had removed Col. James Smith from his position.
“Today, after carefully considering all relevant factors and ensuring procedural fairness, I have made the decision to temporarily remove Colonel Smith from his position as Commander Task Force Latvia,” Boivin said in his statement. “This is a decision made to ensure continuity of leadership and the effective conduct of operations while the charge against Colonel Smith proceeds through the military justice system.”
Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, issued a statement March 31, noting that the
Canadian Forces National Investigation Service had charged 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 at the time.
“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.”
At that point, Smith remained in command of Task Force Latvia.
Smith has not provided comment.
Boivin, in his statement, emphasized that the charge against Smith “will in no way affect the accomplishment of Canadian Armed Forces’ mission” in Latvia.
Lt.-Col. Joel Maley will assume interim command of Task Force Latvia.
“We will continue to ensure the same level of service and operational continuity throughout this interim period and into the planned transition in summer 2026,” Boivin stated. “Colonel Smith will be assigned other duties in Canada until the matter is concluded.”
No details were provided on what those duties will be.
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