Defence department dismisses former navy commander from civilian role after review
CBC
The Department of National Defence (DND) has dismissed retired navy commander Danny Croucher following a probe into how he was hired back as a civilian at his old navy base after a sexual misconduct investigation.
A second review conducted by the military of Croucher's rapid release from service also found that the military broke its own regulations by signing off on Croucher's request last year to voluntarily leave the navy before his case reached the disciplinary stage.
Croucher landed a job at CFB Halifax in June 2021 — the same month he left his military job at that base.
DND says that Croucher had the right to retire because of his years of service.
The Chief of Military Personnel is now looking into whether "additional steps are necessary to address situations where members may have violated professional standards, but have a right to release," DND said in a media statement.
Charlotte Duval-Lantoine, a fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, said this case exposes an "egregious" loophole — that some military members accused of wrongdoing can leave the forces without consequences because they are eligible to retire.
"This loophole means officers can evade disciplinary action," said Duval-Lantoine, who studies toxic culture and leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces.
She said she believes Croucher "clearly evaded" disciplinary action and that allowing him to serve at the same base on the civilian side "might have led to a morale issue" at the base.
The two reviews were triggered by CBC News' reporting last year on Croucher's case. Military regulations state that commanding officers must certify that members are not released to avoid consequences for misconduct.
Watch | Defence minister responds to release of retired Cmdr. Danny Croucher:
The navy removed Croucher from his job as the head of the Naval Fleet School Atlantic in June 2020, DND confirmed. Croucher was placed under unit investigation by the navy after a complaint emerged alleging he made inappropriate comments and harmful comments said to be sexual in nature, multiple sources with knowledge of the case told CBC News.
Sources said a subsequent investigation found wrongdoing on Croucher's part. Sources said he was expected to receive an involuntary release from the military as part of the disciplinary stage. But Croucher requested a voluntary release before that happened.
The navy granted Croucher's request and he left the navy in June 2021. He rejoined the base as a civilian later that month, DND confirms.
Croucher has not yet responded to CBC's request for comment, submitted Wednesday morning on Facebook and through DND. Croucher has declined to comment in the past.
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