The former head of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution program was not in a Gatineau, Quebec court when his criminal case was adjourned until November 5.

Major-General Dany Fortin’s was charged last month with one count of sexual assault in relation to an allegation dating back three decades.

Fortin was replaced as head of the vaccine task force in the spring after being charged and has filed a separate Federal Court challenge to get the job back.

However, federal lawyers don’t see the point as the position no longer exists. 

Fortin has alleged the decision to remove him last May was political, unreasonable and lacked procedural fairness.