He was temporarily relieved of the post on January 16, 2017, and was permanently removed on June 27, 2018,[2][3] accused of having released sensitive government information to affect a procurement of naval supply ships, which potentially constituted a breach of trust.

Norman subsequently received an "all-party" apology from the House of Commons,[4] a settlement of claims,[5] and full reimbursement of legal fees incurred by him.

[7] Educated at Queen's University, Norman joined the Naval Reserve in 1980 as a diesel mechanic with HMCS Cataraqui before transferring to the regular force in 1985 as a sub-lieutenant.

[13][14] The removal was connected with an investigation into whether Norman had leaked sensitive documents relating to the procurement of an interim supply ship for the Royal Canadian Navy.

[4][21] News reports in late June 2019 stated that the Department of National Defence and Norman had concluded "a mutually acceptable agreement ... for which details will remain confidential".

As one pundit opined, the stakes were high: the "federal government’s mission [was] to destroy not only your exemplary military career, but also to ruin you financially and taint the remainder of your life with a criminal record.

"[25] It was disclosed in January 2020 in response to a written question by the Member of Parliament Erin O'Toole that the failed prosecution of Norman had cost the taxpayer $1.4 million.