March 31, 2026 – Ottawa, Ont. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
On March 23, 2026, the Canadian Forces Military Police, specifically the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), charged Colonel James Smith with one charge pursuant to the National Defence Act (NDA).
Colonel James Smith is charged with one (1) count of neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline pursuant to section 129 of the NDA. The charge stems from a military police investigation that began in May 2025 into the receipt of compensation and benefits, afforded by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Colonel James Smith is a Regular Force member of the Canadian Armed Forces. At the time the allegations were reported, they held the position of Commander, Task Force Latvia.
Should the charge proceed to prosecution, the member will be tried in the military justice system. As with all judicial proceedings, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Canadian Joint Operations Command staff and members of Task Force Latvia cooperated fully with investigators throughout the course of the investigation.
In the enforcement of Canadian military law, the Canadian Forces Military Police are peace officers and lawfully exercise jurisdiction over members of the Canadian Armed Forces and over all persons on defence establishments.
Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
Noah Note: I do not speculate or gossip on active investigations. I note that Colonel Smith has been Commander of Task Forve Latvia since July of 2024, and that at this time further details are unavailable. We shall document as they come to light.
Sec. 129 means they likely don't have a strong case and they will have to prove that he wilfully claimed a benefit that he knew he was not entitled to, as opposed to claiming a benefit that he wrongly assumed that he was. If he was told that he was not entitled to it and still claimed it, then the charge will stick.