Army battalion commander and senior NCO removed amid investigation
Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and Chief Warrant Officer Kim Doerr of Edmonton's 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, were removed from their posts over the weekend.
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The commanding officer and top non-commissioned officer of one of the Canadian Army's leading regular force battalions based in Edmonton have been removed from their positions.
Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and Chief Warrant Officer Kim Doerr of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry were apparently forced to step aside over the weekend, several military sources said Tuesday.
The Department of National Defence confirmed action had taken place but refused to explain why. "An investigation is currently underway under the direction of leadership within 3rd Canadian Division. As this process remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further," said Defence Department spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin. "Canadian Armed Forces members, particularly those in positions of authority, are expected to always demonstrate sound judgment and exemplary conduct to preserve public confidence and maintain the trust of those they lead."
Although described as "temporary," such removals are considered drastic by military standards and often carry long-term career implications. Replacements have been appointed in the interim.
Several current and former military sources indicated the army is investigating an incident involving alcohol that occurred recently, though the Defence Department would not confirm this or specify the type of investigation underway.
Hudson was a visible public figure last summer commanding Operation LENTUS 25-05, directing more than 300 troops assisting provincial firefighters in northern Saskatchewan.
Over the past year, several high-profile officers have lost their posts. In April, Col. James Smith, commander of Canada's largest overseas deployment in Latvia, was temporarily removed and reassigned after being charged under the National Defence Act. Earlier this year, Col. Fraser Auld, commandant of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston, was removed due to a "loss of trust in his ability to command."
