Statement from the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal

April 1, 2026 – Ottawa, Ont. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

On March 31, 2026, the Canadian Forces Military Police charged two members of the Canadian Armed Forces with charges pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada (CC).

Chief Warrant Officer Stephane Marleau and Master Warrant Officer Gareth Webb were each charged with one (1) count of sexual assault contrary to section 271 of the CC. The charges stem from a Military Police investigation, that began in 2025, into allegations of sexual assault that occurred in 1997.

CWO Marleau and MWO Webb are Primary Reserve members currently serving with the Governor General’s Foot Guards, in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Canadian Army cooperated fully with police investigators throughout the course of the investigation.

Should the charges proceed to prosecution, the members will be tried in the civilian criminal justice system. As with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

Any member of the defence team who believes they may have been affected by sexual assault is encouraged to contact the Canadian Forces Military Police or their local law enforcement agency to report the matter.

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
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal