Public Affairs Guidance
8 February 2010
Charges laid against Col Russell WIlliams, 8 wing commander, trenton.
SITUATION
On February 8, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged Col Russell Williams, Commander 8 Wing, with two counts of first degree murder and other charges.
The OPP has the lead, and the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) has assisted and continues to assist the OPP with their case.
A news conference was held at 1300hrs on 8 Feb 2010, which involved the OPP Deputy Commissioner, Case Manager and chief of local police. During the news conference, the OPP mentioned that the CFNIS has assisted and continues to assist the OPP as required. The fact that the CFNIS was mentioned demonstrates that the CF is engaged and is taking this issue very seriously.
A statement by Chief of the Air Staff regarding the arrest was issued through Marketwire at 1530hrs on 8 Feb 2010, to which reference can be made if requests are received for Air Force comment on this issue.
It is anticipated that this issue will attract interest from the media and the general Canadian public.
PURPOSE
This Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) is intended to provide CF members and DND personnel with guidance for dealing with media and public queries related to the arrest of COMD 8 Wing.
PA GUIDANCE
All are reminded that, in accordance with DAOD 2008-2, CF members and DND employees should not offer personal opinion or comment on details related to these projects that fall outside of their areas of expertise or responsibility. This also applies to base newspapers.
Media Queries
It is reasonable to expect the media to request interviews with and invite comments from members of DND/CF. The best way to ensure that queries are addressed by the appropriate DND/CF spokesperson and that key leaders remain informed, is to refer questions from reporters to the MLO at 1-866-377-0811 (anywhere in Canada) // 613-996-2353 (locally and international).
The MLO is the coordination centre for media that have any questions related to DND/CF. The office is always manned and is run after hours on a duty officer basis. The reporter’s request is then logged and sent to the appropriate account(s) for action.
A biography and photo of Commander 8 Wing are available on the 8 Wing website: http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/page-eng.asp?id=964
Beyond this, CF members cannot comment or speculate on this serious issue due to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
Questions about the police investigation should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Constable Chris Dewsbury, Northumberland OPP, 613-475-1313.