The Ministry of National Defense remains closed for the details of the incident. It allegedly took place at 4 Wing Air Force Base in Cold Lake, Alta., on June 23, 2022, during an event called a call sign review board — an event where call signs or nicknames are assigned to pilots and aircraft weapons controllers. The incident was serious enough to spark a military police investigation and lead to the postponement of a change of command ceremony at 3 Wing in Bagotville, Que., set for Tuesday. Major General Eric Kenny, the newly appointed commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said plans for the ceremony are on hold. “An investigation into statements made during this activity has been initiated and remains ongoing,” Kenney said in a brief media statement on Monday. “The investigation will look at the actions of those involved during the call review panel.” Contacted by CBC News, a DND spokesperson would not say whether the investigation includes Colonel Colin Marks, who was to take command in Bagotville. Marks could not be reached for comment. Kenny said in his statement that several people were present on the call sign review committee. He declined to offer more specific information, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. “We are committed to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism throughout the RCAF,” he said. “It is also important to ensure procedural fairness for all our staff as we make the critical changes needed to foster a culture of total respect, dignity and inclusion.” Canada’s military is in the midst of a major crisis over misconduct — including incidents of sexist and discriminatory behavior — by senior leaders. The air force, however, has rarely been singled out in the multiple cases that have come to light.
