Fortin's departure because of allegtions of sexual abuse was announced in a terse, three-line statement issued late in the day on May 14.
It left the government searching for an adequate replacement. As Fortin's number two, Bernard was a prime candidate.
But in the days after Fortin's departure, government officials learned that Bernard himself was under investigation and he was removed from consideration.
Instead, Brig.-Gen. Krista Brodie was named as Fortin's successor on May 17. That same day, public health officials — having learned of the nature of the allegation against Bernard — ended his secondment at PHAC and sent him back to the Canadian Armed Forces.
"A decision was made to return him to the CAF early," Le Bouthillier said in a media statement. "He has since been on annual leave and, upon his return, will be assigned to a position which remains to be determined."
'We ... all need to do better': Tam