Question Period Note: CULTURE CHANGE IN THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

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About

Reference number:
DND-2021-QP-00001
Date received:
Jun 21, 2021
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

What is the Canadian Armed Forces doing to address sexual misconduct and affect real culture change in its ranks?

Suggested Response:

  • National Defence is committed to pursuing real culture change and eliminating misconduct within our ranks.
  • That is why we are taking action.
  • Former Justice Louise Arbour is conducting an independent review to help us understand why this culture persists and how to change it.
  • We appointed General Carrignan as Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture who will be responsible for creating the conditions for cultural transformation.
  • And we are implementing the Declaration of Victim Rights in our military justice system.
  • We know we have more to do, and we will continue to work towards creating an environment where all members feel, safe, supported, and heard.

Background:

Quick Facts:
Budget 2021:
* Budget 2021 commits $236.2 million over five years to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the military and support survivors.

Actions to address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces:
* Independent External Comprehensive Review:
* Independent of the chain of command.
* Will examine Defence culture and provide recommendations on
* ways to affect the necessary changes.
* establishing external oversight and/or
* review mechanisms related to misconduct.
* Chief Professional Conduct and Culture
* Responsible for creating the conditions for cultural transformation, ensuring that our behaviours reflect the very best parts of our organization, and Canadian society.
* Principal advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff and Deputy Minister on all matters related to professional conduct and culture in the Defence Team.
* Implement Bill C-77, which includes a Declaration of Victim’s Rights

  • Peer support program
    • DND/CAF and Veterans Affairs Canada will jointly develop a professionally, co-facilitated peer support program to assist CAF members and Veterans who have suffered harm as a result of experiencing sexual misconduct in connection with their military service.
    • It will include online and in-person group support, co-facilitated by mental health professionals and peers with lived experience in-line with best practices.
    • It is fully resourced and will leverage existing peer support programs to accelerate development.
    • Will be co-designed with the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) and informed by mental health experts and survivors.

Additional Information:

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs), Chief Professional Conduct and Culture