Military’s second-in-command to resign

The military’s second-in-command, Lt.-Gen. Paul Wynnyk, is resigning.

The move, which is effective on Aug. 9, comes only weeks after the federal government agreed to a settlement with Wynnyk’s predecessor, Vice-Admiral Mark Norman.

It was believed at that time that Wynnyk would remain as the Canadian Forces’ vice-chief of the defence staff for the foreseeable future.

But in a letter obtained by Global News, Wynnyk reportedly links his resignation to an attempt by the military’s top officer, Gen. Jonathan Vance, to reinstate Norman.

Wynnyk writes that Vance asked him shortly after the breach-of-trust case against Norman was dropped in May to step down before reversing course following the government’s settlement with Norman.

But Wynnyk says when Vance asked him to stay on, he declined.

Wynnyk’s departure represents the latest round of turmoil for the Canadian Forces following Norman’s suspension in January 2017.