Canadian vice admiral in court over leak charge
The former second in command of Canada's military briefly appeared in court 10 April to face a charge that he leaked cabinet secrets related to navy shipbuilding plans.
Vice Admiral Mark Norman, 54, wearing his navy uniform and medals pinned to his blazer, did not enter a plea.
Instead, defense lawyer Marie Heinen pushed for an expedited process.
'I'm anxious to get to court, get this dealt with as quickly as possible and get back to serving the people of Canada,' Norman said following the court appearance.
Norman, who was second in command of the military prior to being relieved of duty in January 2017, faces up to five years in prison, if convicted.
He was charged last month with breach of trust - a criminal offense - for what federal police said was having 'illegally disclosed government information to unauthorized parties'.
According to court documents, Norman provided sensitive government information to a local shipyard that had been selected by the previous Tory administration to provide the navy with an interim supply ship.
In emails obtained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Norman seemed worried that the project would be delayed over concerns raised by the shipyard's rivals about a lack of competition in awarding the contract.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals put the project on hold when they came to power in 2015, but eventually decided to proceed with it.
The MV Asterix (pictured) was recently delivered to the navy to begin operations.
The trial is expected to start in 2019 just prior the next federal election.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons]()
Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
-
![Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029]()
Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
