Canadian Soldiers Suspended After Video Shows Nazi Salutes
The Canadian military has suspended five soldiers after a video surfaced showing them and others giving Nazi salutes.
Army Commander Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright said in a statement Tuesday that he was “deeply disturbed and profoundly disappointed” by the footage, which he learned about on August 6.
The video, filmed in 2023, appears to show one person performing a drill in front of the Royal 22e Regiment flag in Quebec City before drinking a substance. At another point, several people give Nazi salutes.
After receiving the video from a member of the public, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) identified five active soldiers from the 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, based at Valcartier near Quebec City. They were immediately suspended while military police investigate. Wright said punishments could include dismissal.
“Hateful conduct and extremism have no place in the Canadian Army,” Wright said. “It damages our ability to recruit, hurts our credibility, and erodes the public’s trust. Anyone who engages in this behaviour will face consequences.”
This is the second case in recent weeks involving alleged extremism within the Canadian military. In July, the RCMP charged four men with military ties, accusing them of planning to form an anti-government militia near Quebec City. Two of the men are still active CAF members.
