The former human resources director for the Canadian military has been charged with sexually assaulting one Canadian soldier in 2012 and 13 other charges involving the same woman over the next four years. Isabelle Perreault, who was in charge of HR for the Canadian Forces until last December, faces charges of assaulting, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, invitation to sexual touching, obstruction of justice, and breaching an undertaking.
Officers from Public Prosecutions Service of Canada argued that the alleged incidents occurred while Ms. Perreault was at the chief of defence staff’s annual golf tournament.
Public Prosecutions Service of Canada said in a statement, “These charges relate to a series of incidents alleged to have occurred in 2011, 2012 and 2014. These allegations were investigated by Canadian Forces Police Services, and there was a subsequent prosecution for one of the assaults. Ms. Perreault was removed from public life and committed to do 1,000 hours of community service in 2015 in connection with this matter.”
When she announced that Ms. Perreault would no longer be leading HR for the military service, Lt.-Gen. Christine Whitecross said, “HR takes these allegations very seriously.”
Some Canadian Forces members expressed support for the charges, and others defended Ms. Perreault.
As a Canadian Forces Corporal for many years, I know Isabelle Perreault well. Over the years, she became a friend and pillar of strength for my family and me. I stand by her and believe she will be fully exonerated. — Juliette Patry (@Head604) December 4, 2018
After investigations by both Canadian Forces Police Services and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Ms. Perreault was relieved of her military duties and discharged from service.