The trial of Vice-Admiral Haydn Edmundson, the former Head of Human Resources for the Canadian Armed Forces, is set to commence in an Ottawa civilian court. Edmundson is facing charges that border on sexual assault and committing indecent acts on a female subordinate between 2015 and 2017.
The allegations against Edmundson surfaced in November 2020, when the complainant, whose identity is protected, filed a lawsuit against him and the federal government. The complainant claimed that Edmundson sexually harassed, abused and assaulted her while she worked under his command at the Canadian Joint Operations Command headquarters in Ottawa.
According to the lawsuit, Edmundson coerced the complainant into a sexual relationship, which he threatened to end if she did not abide by his terms. Also, the lawsuit alleged that Edmundson exposed himself to the complainant, touched her inappropriately, and compelled her to perform oral sex on him.
The complainant stated she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts due to the abuse. She is demanding $1.5 million in damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Edmundson was charged by the Ottawa police in December 2021, after an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service. He was suspended from his HR duties pending the outcome of the case.
Edmundson has however denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said that Edmundson wants to restore his reputation and clear his name. Also, Greenspan questioned the complainant’s credibility and motives, suggesting that she was seeking financial compensation and revenge.
Edmundson has chosen to be tried by a judge alone in the Ontario Court of Justice, which means there won’t be a jury. The trial will last for two weeks and hear from many witnesses which include Edmundson and the complainant.
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