Head of Canadian mission in Latvia temporarily relieved of duties amid military charge

The military officer heading Canada’s Operation Reassurance in Latvia has been ‘temporarily’ removed over alleged irregularities in compensation and benefits.

A Canadian Armed Forces commander in Latvia has been temporarily removed from his post after being charged under the military justice system.

In a statement Tuesday, the head of Canadian Joint Operations Command said Col. James Smith has been relieved of his duties as Commander of Task Force Latvia while the case proceeds.

“As publicly confirmed by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal on March 31, 2026, Colonel James Smith has been charged with one count under Section 129 of the National Defence Act—Neglect to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline,” Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin said in the statement.

Boivin said the decision to remove Smith was made “after carefully considering all relevant factors and ensuring procedural fairness.”

“This is a decision made to ensure continuity of leadership and the effective conduct of operations while the charge against Colonel Smith proceeds through the military justice system,” he said.

The military says Lt.-Col. Joel Maley will take over as interim commander of Task Force Latvia.

Smith will be reassigned to other duties in Canada until the matter is resolved.

The charge against Smith was first announced last week by the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal.

In a March 31 statement, the military said Smith faces one count of neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline under the National Defence Act.

The charge stems from an investigation launched in May 2025 by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service into the receipt of compensation and benefits.

At the time the allegations were reported, Smith was serving as commander of Task Force Latvia.