Question Period Note: Implementation of external reports

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About

Reference number:
DND-2024-QP-00002
Date received:
Nov 21, 2023
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Blair, Bill (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

Instead of taking action, this Government continues to commission one report after another. When will it finally take concrete steps to support CAF members and ensure they are protected at work?

Suggested Response:

  • I welcome the External Monitor’s second report on the work underway to implement Justice Arbour’s recommendations.
  • We have made important progress on all 48 recommendations and nearly half will be completed by year’s end.
  • We have taken on Madame Therrien’s feedback regarding the need for a strategic approach and developed a concrete implementation plan, with specific timelines and measures for each recommendation.
  • We are also finalizing plans to legislatively address recommendation 5 within Canada soon.
    If pressed on transfer of cases to provinces and territories:
  • I can confirm that all Criminal Code sexual offence charges are now being laid in the civilian system, and no new Criminal Code sexual offence charges are being adjudicated in the military justice system.

Background:

N/A

Additional Information:

Quick facts

  • In response to Recommendation 48 of the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR) report, Madame Jocelyne Therrien was appointed as External Monitor in October 2022 to oversee the implementation of the IECR’s accepted recommendations. The External Monitor reports directly to the Minister of National Defence (MND).
  • The External Monitor delivers a progress report to the Minister every six months, which is then made public in both official languages.
  • Madame Therrien’s first report, released in May 2023, focused on approximately half of the IECR recommendations. She noted that DND/CAF lacked a clear multi-year plan outlining the prioritization and sequencing of activities in response to recommendations.
  • The second report, released in November 2023, covers all 48 recommendations. In this report, the External Monitor affirms that implementation of all 48 recommendations is underway. She also notes that DND/CAF has now developed a multi-year implementation plan for external recommendations that shows how the organization will progress towards its goal of culture change.