Military Ombudsman Demands Independence Now, Accuses Top Brass of Fighting Oversight

The facade of the headquarters of the Department of National Defence is pictured in Ottawa, on April 3, 2013. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA—Canada’s military ombudsman is demanding the federal Liberal government immediately grant his office true independence and oversight powers over the Canadian Armed Forces.

Ombudsman Greg Lick says numerous scandals and crises over the past 30-plus years have resulted in calls for external oversight of Canada’s military to protect troops and others.