By Canadian Press

Vice-Admiral Mark Norman’s pending return raises thorny question for brass

May 9, 2019 | 3:24 PM

OTTAWA — Vice-Admiral Mark Norman’s stated desire to return to active duty after the breach-of-trust case against him was dropped this week is raising the thorny question for the military’s top brass of where he can go.

Norman was the military’s second-in-command until he was suspended and later replaced because of the case against him, with Lt.-Gen. Paul Wynnyk currently filling the post.

While federal Conservatives demand Norman be reinstated to his former post, they also say they would be content with him being given a post of equal stature — even though none exists in the military.  

The decision on where to put Norman ultimately rests with defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance, not the government, and Vance is expected to meet with Norman in the coming days to discuss next steps.

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However, several retired military officers says the current situation is virtually unprecedented and Vance is facing a dilemma given that moving either Norman or Wynnyk will represent a demotion.

Norman, who also previously served as head of the navy, has not said whether he wants to return to his former position as second-in-command, saying the military is bigger than any one person.

The Canadian Press