OTTAWA –
The Department of National Defense says the new commander of the Canadian army is under investigation by military police.

Lieutenant-General. Trevor Cadieu was to take up his new duties on September 7.

In a joint written statement, the Department of Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces said Acting Chief of Defense Gen. Wayne Eyre decided to postpone the change of command ceremony after being briefed on the investigation. .

In a separate statement, Cadieu says the allegations are false but understands the decision to delay his installation as army commander until the investigation is complete.

Cadieu, who could not be reached immediately for further comment, said he has already provided information and correspondence to military police and awaits further chances to cooperate with their investigation.

He says the “false claims will, as expected, create doubts” about his ability to lead and that he asked Eyre to consider choosing someone else to command the Canadian military.