Ottawa – Five members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been suspended after a video surfaced showing individuals giving Nazi salutes, prompting a military police investigation and strong condemnation from senior leadership.
Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright, commander of the Canadian Army, described the video as “deeply disturbing” and said such actions undermine public trust and the institution’s credibility. “I am deeply disturbed and profoundly disappointed with the content of the video — the behaviour is completely unacceptable, and swift action will be taken,” Wright said in a statement.
The video, taken in 2023, reportedly shows at least seven people, five of whom have been identified as serving army members. The footage also depicts someone performing drill movements in front of the Royal 22e Régiment flag and consuming a substance.
Wright said he was made aware of the video on August 6 after a member of the public alerted military authorities. The case was immediately referred to military police for investigation.
Concerns About Extremism in the Ranks
Military leadership has stressed that hate and extremism have “no place” in the Canadian Army. Wright warned that such conduct threatens the army’s ability to recruit, deliver on operations, and maintain public trust. “Canadian Army members who jeopardize that trust and participate in hateful conduct will face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
Experts have urged stronger screening and monitoring measures within the military to prevent extremism in the ranks.
This latest incident follows a troubling case earlier this summer, when the RCMP laid terrorism charges against two active and two former Canadian Armed Forces members in Quebec. The accused were allegedly plotting to form an anti-government militia and seize land. Authorities described it as an act of “ideologically motivated violent extremism.”
In that case, police seized what is believed to be the largest weapons cache ever discovered in a Canadian terrorism investigation — including explosives, assault rifles, and large quantities of ammunition.
The ongoing investigation into the Nazi salute video underscores growing concern about extremist activity within the Canadian military and its potential impact on public trust and national security.