Over 60 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members attended a disciplinary hearing at Petawawa on Tuesday while the military was conducting a sweeping search and rescue mission for those involved in the CH-147 Chinook helicopter crash in the nearby Ottawa River.
Rescue efforts, which included over 110 CAF members as well as an Ontario Provincial Police amphibian unit and local firefighters ended on Wednesday with the Department of National Defence (DND) confirming the death of two members.
Two other members of the crew were treated for minor injuries.
DND Public Affairs Officer Lt. James Shrubb told True North that a hearing summary was convened on June 20, 2023 in Petawawa, Ontario involving 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment Lt. George Brar.
The Acting Commanding Officer of the battalion ordered the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery to conduct the summary hearing at the same time.
“Yes, the Officer Conducting the Summary Hearing ordered the attendance of Lt Brar, their assisting member, two members of 2 RCHA to assist with the conduct of the proceedings, and 10 witnesses,” Lt. Shrubb told True North in an emailed statement.
“As the hearing was open to CAF members, approximately 50 additional CAF members attended the summary hearing voluntarily.”
Brar faced four service infractions of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR&O) which govern CAF member’s conduct. The charges included failure to perform duties, two counts of undermining discipline, efficiency or morale and unauthorized use of property.
A source familiar with the incident told True North that Brar was being disciplined for driving a military vehicle without the proper license.
Brar was found guilty of all four charges and faces a series of penalties including suspension of pay.
“The Officer Conducting the Summary Hearing found Lt Brar committed all four service infractions and imposed the following sanctions on Lt Brar: reprimand, deprivation of pay for 18 days, and withholding annual leave, accumulated leave, special and short leave for 30 days,” Lt. Shrubb told True North.
The families of the two deceased crew members as a result of yesterday’s crash have chosen not to release the identities of the victims.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Defence Minister Anita Anand extended her sympathies to those involved.
“This incident is a painful reminder that members of the Canadian Armed Forces undertake great risks to defend Canada, whether in combat or in training,” said Anand.
