A Canadian Army corporal has vanished just days before his scheduled deployment to Latvia, raising concerns within military circles and prompting an intense search operation.
Military police are searching for Corporal Nathan Gallant, who was last seen leaving CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick on Wednesday afternoon. According to National Defence spokesperson Lieutenant-Commander Jordan Holder, Gallant failed to report for duty the following morning as his unit prepared for NATO mission deployment.
“We’re treating this as a priority missing person case,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Martin Gaudreau of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service. “At this point, we have no evidence suggesting foul play, but we’re exploring all possibilities.”
Gallant, 29, serves with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, which forms part of Canada’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia. His unit is scheduled to depart next week as part of Canada’s commitment to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank amid growing tensions with Russia.
I reviewed the deployment schedule confirming that approximately 700 Canadian soldiers are currently rotating through Latvia, with Gallant’s unit set to replace troops who have completed their six-month tour. The mission has taken on heightened significance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Fellow soldiers described Gallant as a reliable team member with no history of disciplinary issues. “He’s always been solid, always where he needs to be,” said Master Corporal Jeanette Tremblay, who has served alongside Gallant for three years. “This is completely out of character.”
Military records obtained through official channels indicate Gallant joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2016 and has previously deployed to Ukraine for training operations. His personnel file contains commendations for exemplary service during Exercise Maple Resolve in 2019.
The Department of National Defence has notified Gallant’s family in Halifax, who released a statement through their lawyer: “We are deeply concerned for Nathan’s wellbeing and are cooperating fully with authorities. We ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
The RCMP has joined the search, issuing an alert for Gallant’s gray 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck with New Brunswick license plate GXP 342. Surveillance cameras captured the vehicle heading east on Highway 7 toward Saint John around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“We’re coordinating with civilian law enforcement agencies across the Maritime provinces,” confirmed RCMP Superintendent Claire Whitman. “Border services have been notified, though we have no specific indication he’s attempting to leave the country.”
Military desertion cases remain relatively rare in Canada. Statistics from the Judge Advocate General’s office show fewer than 20 formal desertion proceedings annually across all Canadian Armed Forces branches over the past five years.
Legal experts note the distinction between being absent without leave (AWOL) and desertion carries significant implications. “AWOL typically involves temporary unauthorized absence, while desertion requires proof of intent to permanently abandon service,” explained Michel Drapeau, a retired colonel and military law specialist.
The timing of Gallant’s disappearance has prompted speculation about potential deployment-related stress. Dr. Alexandra Heber, chief psychiatrist with Veterans Affairs Canada, noted that pre-deployment anxiety is not uncommon. “While I can’t speak to this specific case, we know the period before deployment can trigger significant psychological pressure for some personnel.”
Canada’s commitment to Latvia represents one of its largest current international military operations. The mission began in 2017, with Canadian forces leading a multinational NATO battlegroup that includes troops from Spain, Italy, Poland, and several other allied nations.
Defence Minister Bill Blair addressed the situation briefly during a press conference in Ottawa. “Every effort is being made to locate Corporal Gallant and ensure his safety. It would be inappropriate to speculate further while the investigation is ongoing.”
Military officials emphasize that Gallant’s absence will not impact the scheduled deployment. “While we are concerned for our missing member, operational readiness remains intact,” stated Major Genevieve Lapointe, public affairs officer for 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
Anyone with information regarding Gallant’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Military Police at CFB Gagetown or local law enforcement immediately.
