The Canadian Military Police have launched an investigation following the emergence of a controversial video featuring five serving members of the Canadian Army. The incident is linked to an event that allegedly occurred in 2023, where other attendees reportedly performed a Nazi salute. The affected military personnel are based in Quebec.
Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, expressed his deep concern and disappointment upon being notified of the video's content on August 6, 2025. He described the behavior depicted in the video as "completely unacceptable" and assured that prompt actions would be taken in response to the situation. His statements were made in a communication to CityNews.
Following the rapid dissemination of the video, military authorities took immediate action by referring the case to military police. The army confirmed that five individuals were identified as current members of the forces, though they did not clarify whether these individuals are part of the regular or reserve components of the military.
In Wright’s statement, he disclosed that these individuals have been suspended from their military duties as an ongoing Unit Disciplinary Investigation seeks to clarify the details surrounding the incident. The investigation aims to ascertain the complete scope of the event, and once verified, appropriate actions against those involved will be implemented.
CityNews has not had access to the video in question. However, Lieutenant-General Wright disclosed that the video had been sent to military officials by a concerned citizen. In the video, at least seven individuals appear, with one seen conducting drill exercises in front of the Royal 22e Régiment flag before consuming an unidentified substance. Notably, at several points, the video captures other individuals engaging in the Nazi salute.
Although the incidents depicted in the video took place in 2023, the regulations and standards of conduct for military members continue to apply, and those involved are facing potential administrative and disciplinary actions that could result in their removal from service. Wright emphasized the severity of the issue by stating that "hateful conduct and extremism have no place in the Canadian Army." He highlighted how such behavior undermines the army's capacity to recruit individuals of high caliber, jeopardizes the credibility necessary for operational effectiveness, and erodes public trust in the institution.
Wright underlined the core values of the Canadian Army, stressing that members who compromise the trust vested in them by the public and participate in hate-driven conduct will face consequences for their actions. The military remains committed to addressing such behaviors decisively to maintain its integrity and public confidence.
