Defence vice-chief steps aside from role

OTTAWA — A senior military officer who drew outrage for golfing with former defence chief Jonathan Vance amid a sexual misconduct probe has stepped aside from his role, but not from the Armed Forces overall.

Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau said Monday he is leaving his position as vice-chief of the defence staff immediately and will join the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, which helps members shift into civilian life.

Rouleau and Royal Canadian Navy commander Vice-Admiral Craig Baines recently teed off with Vance, who is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct. Vance denies any wrongdoing.

“Due process, or procedural fairness, matters to everyone. In this particular case, I was reaching out to a retired member of the CAF to ensure his wellness,” Rouleau said in a statement.

He said it was a “private activity” and they did not discuss any matters pertaining to any ongoing military police investigations or the Armed Forces or Department of National Defence at large.

“However, I understand how such an activity could lead some to perceive a potential conflict of interest and controversy, given the current context, but nothing can be further from the truth.

“For this I am sorry.” Rouleau also denied he has any power over “any military probe whatsoever.”