Commanding Officer of Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Iraq charged under the Code of Service Discipline

News release

February 27, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces has laid disciplinary charges against Lieutenant-Colonel James Jonasson, Commander of the Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Iraq under Operation IMPACT.

The charges relate to an alleged incident in October 2017 during pre-deployment training in Canada that was later reported in January 2018, after deploying to Iraq.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jonasson faces two charges, one charge of Ill-treatment of a Subordinate under section 95 of the National Defence Act and one charge of Drunkenness under section 97 of the National Defence Act. As in all service discipline cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system.

Quotes

“We hold Canadian Armed Forces personnel to a high standard of conduct when representing our country at home and abroad. Upholding this standard at all times is essential to our operational effectiveness. We will respect the judicial process thoroughly while ensuring the Canadian-led Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Erbil continues to operate effectively.”

Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Quick facts

  • The charges follow an alleged incident that occurred during pre-deployment training in Canada, which was reported in January 2018, after deploying to Iraq. Lieutenant-Colonel Jonasson is accused of drunkenness and having ill-treated a person, who by reason of rank, was subordinate to him.

  • Upon receiving the allegations, Brigadier-General Andrew Jayne, Commander of Joint Task Force – Iraq, immediately separated the complainant and Lieutenant-Colonel Jonasson and relocated him from Erbil to Kuwait pending the results of an investigation. 

  • Lieutenant-Colonel Jonasson is no longer commanding the Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility. The Deputy Commanding Officer has been acting as interim commander of the unit since January 2018 and will continue to do so until a replacement Commanding Officer is deployed to Iraq.

  • The Canadian Armed Forces remains committed to proudly lead the Coalition Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility in Erbil, Iraq.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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