Lt.-Col. Philip Marcus dismissed in connection with Operation Impact

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Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Col. Philip Marcus was dismissed from his post in Kuwait as Operation Impact Air Task Force Commander following allegations of inappropriate comments.

In a statement to CTVNews.ca, the Department of National Defense said the comments “demonstrated a disturbing misalignment with our institution’s efforts to change our culture.”

The issue was raised with leaders before Marcus was removed from his post and returned to Canada on December 7.

“These allegations resulted in a loss of confidence in the member’s ability to lead and effectively discharge the duties associated with his appointment as Commanding Officer, and he was immediately relieved,” the statement said.

The allegations are now the subject of an ongoing investigation. Marcus has been reassigned to a staff officer position at the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Center.

The Canadian military has spent the past year grappling with investigations into the sexual misconduct of its most senior members, intensifying the call for a complete internal culture change.

The revolving door of senior officers resigning or retiring has drawn criticism not only against leaders of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) but also against the federal government for failing to take action to protect the victims.

New Defense Minister Anita Anand has said her top priority is to make sure everyone in uniform feels “safe and protected” and that they have the support and resources to ensure that justice be returned.

She, alongside Deputy Minister and Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, issued a formal apology to victims of military sexual misconduct on December 13.

In the statement regarding Marcus’ conduct, the ministry said management subsequently spoke to members of the air task force to ensure they were supported.

“We are in a time of culture change and are committed to ensuring that the CAF is a place to work in which all members – whether they are in Canada or deployed on operations around the world – are safe, empowered and inspired to give the best of themselves in serving Canada and Canadians every day, ”we read.

As the command post chief, Marcus oversaw the provision of air mobility support to Joint Task Force Impact and Central Task Force, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and the Mission of the NATO in Iraq.

The ministry also confirmed that its role is responding to reports of sexual misconduct.

“All CAF leaders must promote and ensure that all members work in an environment of mutual respect, dignity and inclusion, where they have the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” the statement said.

Marcus did not respond to a request from CTVNews.ca for comment regarding the allegations.

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