Military Commander Resigns Amid Scandal Over Disturbing Posts

UPDATE: Col. James McKay, commander of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group, has officially resigned following a scandal involving inappropriate social media posts linked to the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. This development was confirmed by Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright on July 21, 2025, amidst ongoing investigations into the disturbing content shared by military personnel.

The resignation comes as military police and the Canadian Army delve deeper into the Blue Hackle Mafia Facebook group, which has reportedly been operating since 2007. The group has been accused of sharing explicit images of soldiers in uniform, including naked photos and graphic content, some taken at military installations. Posts have also included hateful comments targeting women and derogatory remarks about public figures, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In a statement to the Ottawa Citizen, Lt.-Gen. Wright expressed his disgust at the content shared on the Facebook page, emphasizing that accountability is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the Canadian Armed Forces. “Being accountable for both our action and inaction is foundational to the Profession of Arms,” he stated.

The Cameron Highlanders, a key reserve unit under McKay’s command, have faced significant scrutiny following complaints made to military police last December. Despite initial reluctance to investigate, new evidence prompted military police to reopen the case after the Ottawa Citizen presented screenshots of the troubling posts to Wright.

“Actions taken to date are important in underlining the Canadian Army’s commitment to ensuring our culture meets the expectations of Canadians,” Wright said, highlighting the urgency of addressing this troubling behavior. As a result of the investigation, Lt. Col. Hendy, the commanding officer of the Cameron Highlanders, has been temporarily removed from his position.

The implications of this scandal are profound, as the Canadian Army strives to modernize and maintain its reputation. Wright noted that this incident has significantly damaged public trust at a critical time for the forces.

Moving forward, Wright has committed to ensuring that the culture within the army reflects the values and ethics expected by Canadians. He has initiated a summary investigation into the conduct of the individuals involved in the Facebook group and has called for immediate action against any inappropriate behavior.

The Canadian Army operates throughout Ottawa and other cities, including Oshawa, Timmins, Cornwall, and Sault Ste Marie. The headquarters of the 33 Canadian Brigade Group is located in Ottawa, serving as a focal point for military operations in the region.

As investigations continue, the military community is left grappling with the consequences of these revelations, with an urgent need for reform and accountability within its ranks. The situation remains developing, and further updates are expected as authorities move forward with their inquiries.