Canadian Armed Forces Colonel to face a Courts Marshall

By Gazette Staff

March 31st, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

A Courts Marshall is something seldom seen in Canada.

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, he 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 is the Canadian Forces’ Provost Marshal

Courts martial as part of its military justice system.  These formal military courts authorized under the National Defence Act (NDA) designed to deal with more serious offences committed by members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as well as certain civilians accompanying them. 

There are two types: General Courts Martial (a military judge and a five-member panel) and Standing Courts Martial (a military judge sitting alone).