The former head of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been found not guilty of sexual assault.

Major-General Dany Fortin was facing one charge of sexual assault related to an incident that allegedly occurred in 1988 while he was a student at Royal Military College St-Jean in Quebec.

Fortin says Monday’s ruling is a huge relief but it’s not case closed.

“As you would expect, this is a huge burden off our shoulders, my shoulders and that of my family,” Fortin told reporters. “This is one important step in an ongoing process to prove my innocence and recover my reputation.”

Fortin – who was removed as head of the vaccine rollout amid the investigation – has launched a separate court case against the federal government over his removal.

The complainant, who cannot be identified due to a publication ban was adamant that Fortin was the perpetrator, but Fortin’s legal team said it would vigorously contest his identity as the attacker.