Question Period Note: Providing Support for Those Affected by Sexual Misconduct

• What is the Canadian Armed Forces doing to support victims of sexual misconduct and change its culture to eliminate sexual misconduct?

• The Canadian Armed Forces has made building a respectful workplace and eliminating all forms of sexual misconduct its top institutional priority.
• Our military provides training on acceptable conduct and the impacts of sexual misconduct, from the moment members enter basic training, to foster respectful attitudes and behaviors.
• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre was established in 2015, independent from the chain of command, to support military members affected by sexual misconduct
• The centre has a 24/7 line, and provides confidential support, information, referrals and accompaniment to military members affected by sexual misconduct.
• The Canadian Armed Forces will continue to ensure that all members, of all rank levels, are equipped to do their part to stop sexual misconduct.

If pressed on the case of Corporal Casey Brunelle
* Given that this matter is currently before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment.

BACKGROUND

• In 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces initiated Operation HONOUR to address sexual misconduct within its ranks. It also aims to better align behaviors and attitudes with the modern military ethos, which is based on the principle of dignity and respect for all. It remains the Canadian Armed Forces’ highest institutional priority.

• Support to those affected by sexual misconduct is the main effort of Operation HONOUR. A wide range of support and care is available for affected persons and those who support them, through services such as the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, the Canadian Armed Forces Member Assistance Program, and through legislation such as the new Declaration of Victims’ Rights (Bill C-77), when it comes into force.

• On 25 November, the Federal Court of Canada approved a settlement for the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence sexual misconduct class action. This settlement affects people who experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on gender, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, working for National Defence, or for the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces.

Sexual Misconduct Response Centre

• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre was created in response to the recommendations made by the External Review Authority’s Report on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.

• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre operates independently from the chain of command and is a key resource for anyone affected by sexual misconduct. The Centre provides 24/7 confidential counselling, information and assistance.

• In August 2019, the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre launched two new programs that provide enhanced support to those affected by sexual misconduct.

  • Response and Support Coordination Program: This program provides Canadian Armed Forces members who have experienced sexual misconduct with a dedicated coordinator to offer on-going support and assistance, by providing information, case coordination, advocacy, accompaniment, assistance with workplace arrangements, and other practical assistance.

  • Sexual Assault Centre Contribution Program: This program provides funding for Canadian not-for-profit organizations that support persons affected by sexual misconduct in the communities within close proximity to the ten Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) bases with the highest client base.

• These programs address key recommendations from the External Review Authority (Deschamps Report) and the Office of the Auditor General.

• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre is consulting on a CAF-wide support strategy for victims of sexual misconduct, in order to address gaps in the continuum of care.

• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre is committed to providing the best possible support services to Canadian Armed Forces members who have been affected by sexual misconduct. As such, all of its programs, are consistent with best practices in the field of supporting individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct.

RECENT PARLIAMENTARY INTEREST

• During the last parliamentary session, both the government and the opposition demonstrated sustained interested in addressing the issue of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces through legislation and committee business.

RECENT MEDIA INTEREST

• On November 14, 2019, the media reported that a Canadian Armed Forces member, Corporal Casey Brunelle, allegedly faced reprisals from his chain of command for supporting a female colleague who reported sexual assault. Following the final decision made by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Corporal Brunelle has requested that the federal court review the decision.

• Media outlets continue to report on the November 25, 2019 National Defence announcement on the settlement for those affected by sexual misconduct. Coverage includes interviews with former Canadian Armed Forces members, from across Canada, affected by sexual misconduct during their military service. Attention has also focused on how the government did not admit liability in this case and many victims are seeking an apology from the government.

GBA+

• The 2018 Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, conducted by Statistics Canada, found that the proportion of women in the Regular Force who were sexually assaulted (4.3% of the population) was about four times higher than that of men (1.1%). The prevalence of sexual assault was almost six times higher for women in the Primary Reserve in 2018 (7.0%) than for men in the Reserves (1.2%).

• The 2016 iteration of the Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, had found that 4.8% of female personnel in the Canadian Armed Forces experienced sexual assault in the 12 months preceding the survey’s administration, compared to 1.2% of male Regular Force personnel.

INDIGENOUS

• Nil.

Responsible Principals: Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Judge Advocate General, Executive Director, Sexual Misconduct Response Centre

QUICK FACTS

• The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre provides supportive counselling and information, as well as accompaniment to:

  • Members who have experience sexual misconduct;
  • Members who have been affected by sexual misconduct, including a person trying to support another member; and
  • Military leaders who need information on how to best respond to and support other members.

• In June 2019, the Government added the Declaration of Victims’ Rights (via Bill C-77) to the Code of Service Discipline.