Two Governor General's Foot Guards Members Charged with Sexual Assault from 1997 Incident
Two members of the Governor General's Foot Guards based in Ottawa have been formally charged with sexual assault, according to an official statement released by the Canadian Forces. The charges stem from a military police investigation that was initiated in 2025, focusing on allegations that date all the way back to 1997.
Details of the Charges and Investigation
Military police have charged Chief Warrant Officer Stephane Marleau and Master Warrant Officer Gareth Webb, each with one count of sexual assault. Both individuals are primary reserve members who are currently serving with the Governor General's Foot Guards, a prestigious ceremonial infantry regiment.
Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, provided details in a statement issued on April 1, 2026. She emphasized that the charges are the result of a thorough military police investigation into the alleged sexual assault that occurred nearly three decades ago.
Cooperation and Legal Proceedings
The Canadian Army has fully cooperated with police investigators throughout the entire course of the investigation, as confirmed by Hanrahan. This cooperation underscores the military's commitment to addressing such serious allegations with transparency and diligence.
Should the charges proceed to prosecution, the members will be tried in the civilian criminal justice system, rather than through military courts. Hanrahan reiterated in her statement that, as with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This standard legal principle ensures a fair trial process for both individuals involved.
The case highlights ongoing efforts within the Canadian Forces to address historical allegations of misconduct, particularly in the realm of sexual assault. It also brings attention to the role of military police in investigating such incidents, even when they occurred many years in the past.
