Canadian Military Launches Probe After Disturbing Video Surfaces Online
The Department of National Defence has initiated a formal investigation following the emergence of a troubling video on social media platforms. The footage appears to show a soldier from the Governor General's Foot Guards, an Ottawa-based regiment, making derogatory comments about women while handling his military-issued assault rifle in a threatening manner.
Video Content Sparks Outrage and Concern
The controversial video, which has garnered significant attention on Instagram with over 2,000 likes and 590 comments, depicts a reserve force corporal in uniform at a Canadian Forces installation. Initially, the soldier claims to believe in showing love to everyone and states that he doesn't like violence or guns. However, the tone shifts dramatically as he begins discussing women.
The soldier is seen loading a magazine into his Canadian Forces rifle while saying, "But if a female walks into my house though... What you want huh? Shut your b--ch ass." He then points the weapon directly at the camera before smiling, with the video concluding shortly after this alarming display.
Military Response and Investigation Details
Department of National Defence spokeswoman Andrée-Anne Poulin confirmed the investigation in an official statement released on Friday. "We are aware of an offensive video circulating on social media depicting a member of the Canadian Army," Poulin stated via email. "An investigation into their actions has been launched and administrative actions are ongoing."
The Ottawa Citizen has reported that the exact timing of the video's creation remains unclear, though it was recently uploaded to Instagram. Journalists have been unable to verify the authenticity of the footage or determine whether it has been edited to distort the soldier's statements.
Reactions from Military Community and Advocates
The video has drawn sharp criticism from both current and former military personnel, particularly those involved in addressing sexual misconduct within the armed forces. Donna Van Leusden, a retired Canadian Forces officer who provides training on supporting sexual assault survivors, expressed deep disappointment after viewing the footage.
"It is discouraging. It is defeating," Van Leusden remarked. "I know we are hurting for people, but...why are we not cutting people like this loose? Why are we accepting this from anyone, regardless of rank?" Her comments come after recent positive observations about changing attitudes toward sexual misconduct during a visit to CFB Trenton.
Jennifer Smith, a former Canadian Forces member and sexual misconduct survivor who now advocates for reform, voiced serious concerns about what the video reveals about military culture. "What concerns me most is not only the conduct itself, but what it reveals about culture, judgment, and accountability within an institution that has repeatedly acknowledged serious problems with misogyny and sexual misconduct—and has publicly committed to reform," Smith stated.
She added pointedly: "I am asking, publicly and directly: what accountability is being applied, and how seriously is this being treated at the highest levels of the military?"
Broader Context of Military Conduct Issues
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing challenges within the Canadian Forces regarding professional conduct and institutional culture. Recent years have seen multiple investigations into inappropriate behavior among military personnel, including cases involving explicit photos sent to commanding officers and social media groups containing hate speech and inappropriate content.
The current investigation will need to address not only the specific actions depicted in the video but also broader questions about training, accountability, and cultural change within Canada's military institutions. As the probe unfolds, attention will focus on how seriously leadership treats such incidents and what concrete measures will be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
