Canadian commander in Haiti relieved of duty

ThetopCanadianmilitary commanderin Haiti has been relieved ofhis dutiesafter allegations he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with someone outside the Forces.

Col. Bernard Ouellette,who wasthe chief of stafffor the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti,isunder investigation, said Lt.-Col. Chris Lemay, aspokesman for Canadian Expeditionary Force Command.

Lemay said the decision was based on Ouellette's "inability to address a negative environment that lasted a few months, which affected the morale and team cohesion within the Canadian contingent."

The"situation within the team deteriorated," Lemay added

Lt.-Gen. Marc Lessard, commander ofCanadian Forces abroad, made the decision to bring Ouellette back to Canada, Lemay said.

There's an ongoing investigation anda report is expectedin the next few weeks.

Lemay wouldn't discuss details about the alleged relationship, saying onlyit wasoutside the Canadian Forces.

"Ouellete was at the end of his tour," Lemay said, adding that he did"great on the mission in Haiti, especially during the earthquake. Heshould be applauded for that."

Ouellette was on leave whenthe decision was made to relieve him of his duties, Lemay said. The new chief of staff, Col. Grant Dame, will arrive next week.

The latest case comes as the military continues to investigate Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard, who was stripped of command in Afghanistan for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a female subordinate.

Lemay said Ouellette's removalon June 26 was not made public when it happened, because he is considered a staff officer.Menard had a more high-profile public role.