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The Canadian Forces has pointed out that Vice Admiral Mark Norman is still technically the Vice Chief of the Defence although he has been temporarily suspended from that position.

Norman has been charged with one count of breach of trust for allegedly leaking government information. The RCMP claims Norman tipped off Davie shipyards the Liberal government was going to delay a key navy program involving the Quebec firm converting a commercial ship, the Asterix, into a supply vessel. Details about the Liberal’s decision leaked out to the news media, forcing the government to retreat on their plan. Norman has denied any wrongdoing and will be going to court.

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In the meantime, the Asterix project proceeded and the supply ship is now serving the Royal Canadian Navy.

Gen. Vance, the chief of the defence staff, decided in January 2017 to suspend Norman from his job. Vance stated, without explanation, he had lost confidence in Norman’s ability to command. There was no internal hearing, and no formal opportunity for Norman to present his side of the story. Vance’s decision appears to have been based on unproven RCMP claims about the admiral.