By Canadian Press

Battle between Liberals, admiral heats up as cabinet orders McDonald to stay on leave

Aug 12, 2021 | 1:21 PM

OTTAWA — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says Admiral Art McDonald will remain on leave rather than return as commander of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Sajjan’s announcement follows what a senior government official speaking on background said was a cabinet order on the issue earlier today.

McDonald’s lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

McDonald’s legal team announced Wednesday that their client planned to return as chief of the defence staff, a position he vacated in February.

McDonald temporarily stepped down due to a military police investigation into an allegation of misconduct that resulted last week in a decision not to lay any charges.

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McDonald says he has been exonerated and should be allowed to return to his job, but some critics have questioned the veracity of the investigation given it was conducted by military rather than civilian police. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2021.

The Canadian Press