Former soldier’s alleged role in synagogue shooting very concerning: defence minister

Defence Minister David McGuinty expressed concern over the alleged role of Sean Ward, a former soldier, in the shooting at a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. Ward, who died after a shootout with police, was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for about five years before being released in June 2022. According to anonymous military and National Defence sources cited by the Globe and Mail and Global News, Ward was discharged from the army after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The shooting occurred during a Yom Kippur service at the Sons of Jacob synagogue, though Belleville police have not revealed a motive. McGuinty stated that the government has been addressing "culture changes" within the Canadian Armed Forces for the past decade, including modifying recruitment standards and extending probation periods for recruits.

He emphasized that while improvements have been made, there is still work to be done to address the situation.