habar
April 30, 2019 7:39 pm EST
Updated: May 1, 2019 12:55 am EST
Canadian soldiers carry guns in ‘full fighting order’ at Toronto’s Khalsa Day — the Forces called it ‘misguided’
By Jesse Ferreras and Mercedes Stephenson Global News
">
Sikh soldiers seen marching with their weapons at the ready at the Khalsa Day Parade in Toronto on April 28, 2019.
Photo submitted
A unit of soldiers from Toronto-area reserve units of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were photographed carrying unmuzzled weapons at the ready, their magazines in place — but unloaded — at a Khalsa Day Parade that took place in Toronto on Sunday.
The photo was posted to Twitter by controversial author and columnist Tarek Fatah, who has written extensively about extremism.
The post drew over 2,000 re-tweets and over 5,000 likes.
The CAF confirmed its authenticity and said it is not normal for weapons to be carried at events in this way.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said in a statement that, “while the intentions to participate in this event were good, the choice that was made was inappropriate.
“I know that the commander of 4th division and other commanders will take appropriate action to ensure that something like this never happens again,” he said.
Soldiers with the 4 Canadian Division participate in a number of community and outreach events, “including parades such as the Khalsa Day Parade,” a CAF spokesman told Global News.
“Normally, weapons are not carried at such events,” he said.
READ MORE: Numerous road closures in downtown Toronto for Khalsa Day Parade
Story continues below
The decision to have personnel in “full fighting order,” he said, was made after the commander of the 32 Canadian Brigade authorized participation in the parade, and assigned the task to the commanding officer of the Lorne Scots.
That officer issued the order detailing participation — “including authorizing unloaded weapon carriage and dress,” the spokesman said.
The 4 Canadian Division commander is following up with this unit and issuing “additional direction to the entire division prohibiting the carriage of weapons at similar events.”
WATCH: April 27, 2014 — Toronto Sikh community celebrates Khalsa Day
Such displays have not been seen at other parades, such as Pride, or similar events.
This time, the commander of this unit authorized the display “in a misguided attempt to show a well-equipped CAF,” the spokesman said.
“It never happens at Pride or similar events because it is not appropriate,” he said.
“It was not appropriate in this instance either.”
WATCH: March 31 — Marking five years since the end of the Afghan mission
The rifle-toting soldiers appeared to be walking out of formation, the photo showed.
It’s typical for soldiers to march in such a fashion – but it’s not typical for them to carry weapons when they do this.
Story continues below
“Any parade in which weapons are carried would have to adhere to the Canadian Armed Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial,” the spokesman said.
READ MORE: Canadian Forces looking at recruiting elite, special-forces soldiers right off the street
One retired general officer who spoke to Global News was appalled at the image that the photo portrayed.
He suggested it was totally unprofessional and brought discredit to the Canadian Armed Forces and felt someone should be held to account.
Several military sources said it looked more like a show of force by troops on patrol in a conflict zone than a public parade in Toronto.
Subscribe to updates from Global News
© 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
khalsa day parade sikh soldiers weapons
sikh soldiers weapons khalsa day parade
FLYERS
COMMENTS
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.
POPULAR NOW
Jason Kenney cites 'deep frustration' as Alberta's 'turn off the taps' law is proclaimed
Tim Hortons CEO blames Canada's cold weather for slow sales
Her name is Eva Heyman — she lived during the Holocaust, and this is her Instagram story
You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.
JUMP TO A REGION
Barrie BCCalgary DurhamEdmonton GuelphHalifax HamiltonKingston KitchenerLethbridge LondonMontreal New BrunswickOkanagan OttawaPeterborough ReginaSaskatoon TorontoWinnipeg
CONNECT
Facebook Twitter Google+ Instagram LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest RSS Contact Us@ Newsletter Youtube Alexa Notifications
GLOBAL NEWS
About UsPrivacy PolicyPrinciples & PracticesCopyrightCorus EntertainmentAdvertiseAdvertising Standard TermsTerms of UseBranded ContentOpen Data
© 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Corus News. All rights reserved.
Tazama yote
185
Chukia
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean. 