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Several other senior officers have served as the acting vice-chief of defence in Norman’s absence, but there have been questions inside and outside the Forces about the long-term impact of that arrangement.

Canadian Army commander Lt.-Gen. Paul Wynnyk has been tapped to take over as the third acting vice-chief of defence since Norman’s suspension, but appears poised to instead replace Norman permanently this summer.

Vance, who has been in regular email contact with Norman since the latter’s suspension, first broached the subject of a face-to-face meeting on Jan. 28, as the defence chief prepared for a trip to Japan.

“I would like to sit down with you shortly after I get back,” Vance wrote. “Purpose would be to take stock, discuss future and address any matters you think we should (discuss) — essentially an update from our telephone call in June.”

The defence chief added that his office would set up the meeting “such that it is discreet and dignified.”

The two military officers continued to exchange emails about a sit-down at National Defence headquarters on Feb. 12 around 7 p.m., after most staff had gone home.

“I will meet you in person at the VIP entrance and take you right to my office,” Vance wrote on Feb. 4.

“Again, would plan on seeing how you are doing and how I can help, what you want me to think about going forward and discussion about the GOFO plot,” a reference to the detailed planning that goes into senior appointments in the military.