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The Canadian military’s operations commander has ordered the temporary removal of Canada’s top soldier in Latvia following an investigation into irregularities surrounding compensation and benefits.
Col. James Smith faces one count of prejudice to good order and discipline under the National Defence Act in a charge laid on March 31 by military police.
“Today, after carefully considering all relevant factors and ensuring procedural fairness, I have made the decision to temporarily remove Col. Smith from his position as Commander Task Force Latvia,” said Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin in a statement released by the Department of National Defence on Tuesday.
“This is a decision made to ensure continuity of leadership and the effective conduct of operations while the charge against Col. Smith proceeds through the military justice system.”
Lt.-Col. Joel Maley will assume interim command and is expected to remain in the post until midsummer when a new task force command team is slated to take over, the statement said.
“Col. Smith will be assigned other duties in Canada until the matter is concluded,” Boivin said.
Allegations against Smith were reported to military police almost a year ago — in May 2025 — and apparently relate to benefits afforded by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Neither the Defence Department, nor the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, have spelled out precisely what Smith, a long-serving member of the army, is alleged to have done.
The statement from Boivin said they “have no further information to release at this time.”
Smith has held various senior positions within the army, including the director of the Land Warfare Centre.
When the charges were laid last week, the Department of National Defence was asked about Smith’s status — whether he has been temporarily relieved from his post and returned to Canada — or if he remained in Latvia.
It declined to be specific — or explain why Smith had been left in charge when in other circumstances the commanding officers of units were obliged to step aside during the investigation.
