Vuong chose to face a summary trial instead of a court-martial. The trial took place on Wednesday morning at HMCS Donnacona, a naval reserve unit in Montreal. Naval Reserve Deputy Commander Capt. Etienne Landry presided over the trial. Vuong was facing a service charge under the National Defense Act for “conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline”. Lt. Robert Moore, a spokesman for the naval reserve, told CBC News that Vuong admitted to all counts during the trial. He said Capt. Landry concluded that a $500 fine was the most appropriate punishment. Toronto police charged Vuong with a single count of sexual assault in April 2019. Military law requires members of the Canadian Armed Forces to disclose any such allegations to their commanders — something Vuong failed to do. The Crown dropped the charge six months after it was laid. Landry said during the trial that while he could have given Vuong a more severe punishment, he took into account Vuong’s young age, his expression of remorse and desire to rehabilitate, his lack of prior offenses and his promotion in the navy and both military. and political life. Vuong said during the trial that he regrets not following military procedure and wants to remain in the Canadian Armed Forces Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Vuong said he would comment in more detail later. “I’m here in uniform out of respect for the (Canadian Armed Forces),” Vuong said. “I don’t believe this is the right place and now is the right time, but I want to encourage you all to reach out to my office so we can find a time and … let’s clear the air.”
Vuong’s future in Parliament is uncertain
Vuong, who holds the rank of lieutenant, is currently the only Independent Member of Parliament. The Liberal Party dropped him as a candidate during the 2021 federal election campaign after information emerged about a previous sexual assault allegation against him. The party said Vuong did not tell them about the accusation during the candidate vetting process. Vuong did not respond to a reporter’s question after the trial about whether he would remain an MP. While Vuong has previously said he plans to rejoin the Liberals, he has voted against several government bills and criticized the Liberals on social media. Vuong’s disavowal from the party came too late in the campaign to remove his name from the ballot as a Liberal candidate. He was elected in the Toronto riding of Spadina-Fort York with 38.9 percent of the vote. Vuong has denied any wrongdoing and called the allegation behind the charge “fantasy”. He has also pointed to the withdrawal of the charge as proof of his innocence.
