Four Canadian Forces personnel who said they were members of the extreme-right Proud Boys and disrupted a Mi’kmaq ceremony in Halifax on July 1 have been allowed to return to their regular duties.
“The investigation has now been completed, and no criminal charges will be laid,” Rear-Admiral John Newton said in a release Thursday. At least two of the men are in the navy.
On July 1, dozens of people were gathered around the statue of Edward Cornwallis in downtown Halifax to mourn the atrocities committed against Indigenous people when a group of men were clad in black polo shirts approached.
They were carrying a Canadian Red Ensign flag and singing God Save the Queen, and announced they were members of “The Proud Boys, Maritime chapter.”
Following the incident, five members were relieved of their duties and assigned other jobs during the military investigation into their conduct.
None of the men received demotions or were moved as a result of the harassing behaviour.
Warned of possible termination
“With the exception of one individual who has since left the [Canadian Armed Forces], the members are being returned to their operational units and regular duties,” Newton said.
He said the military “has taken appropriate measures to address individual shortcomings, with the intention of ensuring a clear understanding of expected ethical behaviours and standards of conduct.”
The remaining four men were also warned that “further inappropriate behavior could result in their termination from the Canadian Armed Forces.”