Canadian military authorities have confirmed that Marc-Aurèle Chabot - a corporal arrested in July on terrorism-related charges - is no longer serving in the armed forces, according to an email statement issued by the Canadian Armed Forces.
The military said the circumstances surrounding Chabot's release from service are treated as personal information and are protected under the Privacy Act. Chabot's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Chabot is believed to be the first individual who was serving on active duty to be charged with terrorist offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. The charges concern allegations that he took concrete actions to facilitate terrorist activity.
Charges and related arrests
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced in July 2025 that Chabot and two other men - Rapha l Lagac and Simon Angers-Audet - had been arrested on allegations of planning to seize land for an anti-government militia near Quebec City. The RCMP said the three men took part in military-style training and conducted ambush, shooting, survival and navigation exercises.
A fourth individual, Matthew Forbes, who at the time of his arrest was also a serving member of the military, has been charged with weapons offences. The charges against Forbes include possession of firearms, prohibited devices and explosives, and the transfer of firearms and ammunition, according to the RCMP. The Canadian Armed Forces said Forbes remains a member of the force but is not currently performing military duties.
Publication ban and legal challenge
Details related to the alleged plot are restricted by a publication ban ordered by the Quebec Superior Court in February. The existence and timing of that order are documented in a copy of the court order that has been reviewed by journalists. A media coalition is contesting the ban, and a hearing to consider lifting the publication restriction is scheduled for September.
Implications and current status
At present, the facts available publicly are those set out by law enforcement and the official statement from the Canadian Armed Forces. The military's description of Chabot's separation as personal information means additional personnel records or rationale for the action have not been released. Court proceedings and the publication ban will shape what additional information becomes public as the legal process advances.
This account reflects the status of the individuals named in the charges and the existing legal constraints on reporting. Further developments will depend on court rulings and any additional disclosures that may be permitted if the publication ban is modified or lifted.