The second in command of Canada's military, Vice Admiral Mark Norman, was relieved of duty Monday, reportedly after leaking highly classified information.

The daily Globe and Mail said Norman's removal followed an investigation into leaked top-secret documents.

It was not clear what information might have been revealed, and whether the alleged leaks might have gone to a foreign power or to a Canadian business or individual.

The military offered no explanation.

But Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan said he "fully supports" the decision by General Jonathan Vance, chief of the defense staff, to sideline Norman.

Vance's spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Proulx, would only say that Norman was "temporarily" stripped of his duties and responsibilities.

Norman has served in the Canadian military for 36 years and was appointed vice chief last year, after spending four years in command of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The current head of the navy, Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, has been appointed vice chief of the defense staff.