Military Police Complaints Commission to hold public interest hearing - Homepage

Hearing to investigate alleged military police negligence during a welfare check

Ottawa (May 21, 2025) - The Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) has announced it will hold its first Public Interest Hearing since 2011. The hearing, led by the MPCC’s Chairperson M^e Tammy Tremblay, will examine a conduct complaint that the military police were negligent during a welfare check on Master Corporal (MCpl) Shaun Orton, who was later found to have died by suicide. The hearing will be mainly virtual at a date to be announced.

The complaint is related to an incident that occurred in Ottawa on April 21, 2024. In her complaint, MCpl Orton’s wife claims that delays in conducting a welfare check on her husband, in entering the home, and in administering first aid after his body was found, may have contributed to his death. She further claims that the military police mishandled critical evidence, including a suicide note, and that she experienced difficulty in obtaining information and updates from the military police.

On June 11, 2024, Mrs. Orton filed a conduct complaint with the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal (CFPM). On July 30, 2024, the CFPM decided to close the file without investigating the complaint in favour of conducting a criminal investigation.

On September 25, 2024, the complainant requested that the MPCC review her complaint. Complainants may request an MPCC review of a conduct complaint if they are not satisfied with the disposal of the complaint by the CFPM.

On April 30, 2025, M^e Tammy Tremblay rendered a decision to hold a Public Interest Hearing. The Chairperson cited the following important factors that motivated her decision:

• The seriousness of the allegations, which, if substantiated, could amount to a failure in performing a timely and effective welfare check—potentially preventing a tragic loss of life.
• The broader systemic implications and public interest regarding welfare checks and suicide response by police.

Over the past year, the MPCC made multiple unsuccessful attempts to obtain disclosure from the CFPM’s office of Professional Standards, preventing it from initiating its investigation. By holding a Public Interest Hearing, the MPCC will gain the authority to compel disclosure and summon witnesses to testify.

“The allegations in this case are very serious. Given the significant public concern surrounding the proper handling of welfare checks, suicide interventions, and risk assessments by military police, I determined that a public hearing would be the most effective, transparent, and appropriate means of conducting this investigation—ensuring accountability and addressing broader systemic issues.” - M^e Tammy Tremblay, MSM, CD, LL.M., Chairperson, Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada

While the allegations raise serious concerns, they have not been proven. The MPCC will conduct its hearing in an open, fair and impartial manner. The MPCC will also ensure a trauma-informed approach for all participants that acknowledges the complexity of the issues involved and prioritizes respectful, empathetic engagement throughout the process.

Further details, including the complaint background, and the decision to hold a hearing, can be found on the MPCC's website.

Additional information on the proceedings, such as the hearing date, Commission Counsel and the parties involved, will be provided once the MPCC has received and reviewed disclosure by the CFPM.

Related information:

• Decision to Conduct a Public Interest Hearing
• Rules of Procedure for Hearings Before the Military Police Complaints Commission, 2022 (SOR/2022 9)
• M^e Tammy Tremblay biography

For information, please contact:

Date modified:

2025-05-21