Trudeau says he knew about investigation into Fortin weeks ago

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he learned weeks ago that an investigation was underway into the military officer overseeing Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

Trudeau says his office was made aware of allegations against Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, but he was not given details.

Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau says his office was made aware of the allegations against Major General Dany Forting a number of weeks ago, but he did not receive details. Says the investigation is being led by appropriate authorities. Can't comment on investigation. #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) May 18, 2021

Fortin was abruptly sidelined from his role in the vaccine rollout on Friday without much explanation.

CTV News has reported that Fortin is being investigated for having allegedly exposed himself to a woman while he was an officer cadet at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean, Que., in 1989.

Fortin’s lawyer says the general only learned of the allegation on Sunday and he categorically denies any wrongdoing.

Trudeau says his first thought is with the alleged victim, but that he expects a fair, complete and rigorous investigation.

The Globe and Mail reports it took two months for military officials to remove Fortin from his position.

Brig.-Gen. Krista Brodie has been named as Fortin’s replacement.

Related articles:

• Maj.-Gen. Fortin facing historic sexual misconduct allegation: CP source

• Fortin steps down from COVID vaccine rollout pending military investigation

• Brig.-Gen. Krista Brodie to lead Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign

On Tuesday, the prime minister sought to reassure Canadians that the vaccination campaign will not be negatively affected by Fortin’s departure.

Trudeau also announced deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to Canada are continuing to ramp up, with 9 million Pfizer doses expected in the month of July alone.

“That means that between now and at least the end of July, we’ll continue to get over 2 million Pfizer doses a week,” he said.

Canada signed a deal with Pfizer in April to increase deliveries.

The update comes as Canada gets set to receive its largest weekly shipment of vaccines to date.

“This week, we’re receiving 4.5 million vaccine doses, including a shipment from Pfizer that has been moved up ahead of the holiday weekend,” Trudeau explained.