Woman at heart of sexual misconduct allegations against Vance testifies at committee

OTTAWA — The woman at the heart of sexual misconduct allegations against Canada’s former top military commander says retired Gen. Jonathan Vance believes he is “untouchable.”

Maj. Kellie Brennan says the former chief of the defence staff told her that he “owned” the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, which is conducting the investigation into the allegations against him.

She says he instructed her to lie to the investigation service and has threatened her about potential repercussions if she doesn’t say what he wants.

Brennan says it has become a habit with Vance to believe the rules don’t apply to him, revealing to a House of Commons committee that he fathered two children with her but has not paid any support.

Brennan says she doesn’t expect justice will be done in her case but she’ll be happy if, by speaking out, she forces a culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Brennan maintains she had a sexual relationship with Vance, her superior officer, starting in 2001 and which continued after he was named defence chief in 2015. Vance has denied any wrongdoing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press

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