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Deputy minister of national defence Christiane Fox says she was trying to bring in outside perspectives when she influenced her former department to hire an acquaintance.
Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein published an investigation on Wednesday finding that Fox pressed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to hire Björn Charles when she was deputy minister of that department in March 2023.
Fox had known Charles since they were both athletes at university together, according to the report.
She said in a statement posted on the Defence Department’s website on Friday that she was “motivated by a genuine desire to bring in outside perspectives.”
“My efforts were focused on advancing diversity and inclusion across the public service, an objective explicitly set for deputy ministers,” she said.
“I approached that mandate with care and intent, including a focus on bringing in outside perspectives and voices that could help drive meaningful change. This included removing barriers that limited how talent was recognized both inside and outside government.”
Explanation not credible, report says
Von Finckenstein’s report noted that IRCC — which has reported problems with racism in the past — was ” focused on anti-racism, diversity and inclusion” while Fox was the deputy minister. But he didn’t find Fox’s explanation credible.
“The true intent behind her interventions was to help Mr. Charles find new employment, and this occurred under her watch through the creation of a position in her department to fit Mr. Charles’s needs,” the report reads.
In her statement, Fox said she respects the role of the commissioner and takes “this matter seriously.”
“While my intent was to fulfil my responsibilities as a public office holder and advance meaningful organizational change in the government of Canada’s interests, I recognize how we pursue change is as important as the change itself, and that is something I will continue to carry forward in my work,” she said.
While the commissioner can impose monetary penalties and issue compliance orders, the investigation did not recommend sanctions.
In December 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Fox’s appointment to the top civilian role at the Department of National Defence as part of a shakeup in the senior ranks of the public service.
Fox’s statement was also emailed to Defence Department employees on Friday, a copy of which was obtained by CBC News.
“Given the work we are advancing together, I also believe it is important that you have additional context about the intent of my actions,” it said.
