CBC airs interview with phoney sergeant on Remembrance Day

The CBC has apologized for airing an interview on Remembrance Day with a man the broadcaster believed to be a sergeant.

Franck Gervais wore a uniform and medals to Tuesday’s ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and claimed to be a decorated soldier.

The CBC said it got several calls questioning whether Gervais was who he claimed to be. His beard would not be allowed in the military; his red sash was worn the wrong way; and his maroon beret was reserved for soldiers serving in the parachute units.

The Department of National Defence later said Gervais isn’t a member of the Canadian Forces.

The CBC apologized in a statement released Wednesday.

“During CBC’s extensive coverage of Remembrance Day commemorations in Ottawa, we interviewed many veterans and serving members of the Canadian Forces. These included one man who had been standing among a group of uniformed personnel. To civilian eyes, he appeared to be an authentic soldier,” the statement said.

“We have since learned that he was not, that his uniform was not correct, and that he was wearing medals he had not earned. All this was drawn to our attention by veterans and serving members, who were understandably angry at seeing this counterfeit soldier. We regret this, and are following up to learn more about the man.”

It’s an offence to impersonate a soldier under Section 419 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

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