The sexual assault trial of retired Lt. Gen. Haydn Edmundson, a former military personnel director, begins in an Ottawa courtroom today, more than 30 years after the alleged attack.
Edmundson, who later resigned as a military commander and retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, was charged in December 2021 with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
During Edmundson’s arraignment, the court heard that the alleged assaults took place while the HMCS provider was docked in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, between September and November 1991.
Mr Edmundson has maintained his innocence and denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Brian Greenspan, said his client looks forward to restoring his “outstanding reputation for service to our country.”
Edmundson is being tried by a single judge in Ontario court. His trial in civilian court came amid a damning 2022 report on sexual misconduct in the military, which called for civilian police and courts to handle all sexual assault cases, including allegations against military personnel. It follows the recommendations of former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbor.
Edmundson was one of several high-profile service members accused of sexual misconduct in early 2021, starting a crisis that led to an external investigation of the military.
Edmundson’s previous responsibilities included eliminating harmful and inappropriate behavior within the military. His leadership role also included overseeing the military’s recruitment, training, and education.
