DM/CDS message: Release of Fourth External Monitor Status Report and Conduct and Culture Tools

November 20, 2024 - Defence Stories

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence has released Madame Jocelyne Therrien’s fourth External Monitor status report on the Defence Team’s implementation of the 48 recommendations of the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR). In her report, Mme Therrien acknowledges the Defence Team’s continued commitment to make meaningful improvements to workplace culture and notes the substantial progress made.

Being open and transparent about efforts and progress is critical to building trust and remaining accountable to Defence Team members and the Canadian public. The Comprehensive Implementation Plan, released in June 2024, outlines our multi-year roadmap for implementing recommendations from IECR and three other key reports.

Today the Defence Team also launched an interactive online tool that provides an easy way to access and view a range of data on issues that shape our workplace culture. The Conduct and Culture Data Centre (CCDC) provides key metrics and data on issues such as personnel demographics, workplace experiences, conduct, and leadership. The data is pulled from DND and CAF systems and surveys, and publicly available data, such as Statistics Canada’s Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This unique new tool will help us improve the collective understanding of the Defence Team’s workplace and identify areas where focus is needed.

Defence Team leaders have expressed a need for guidance to help them prevent and appropriately address harmful behaviours in the workplace. Tools have now been developed that explain key concepts, clarify processes, provide practical information and guidance, and set clear expectations about conduct and consequences.

• Sexual and Gender Based Violence Spectrum is a learning and communication tool that clearly identifies a range of behaviours, from acceptable conduct to conduct deficiencies and criminal acts, and explores key terms and concepts, such as the notion of consent. Visit Understanding Sexual and Gender-based Violence to learn more.
• Hateful Conduct Spectrum is a learning and communication tool that clearly identifies a range of behaviours, from acceptable conduct to conduct deficiencies and criminal acts, and explores key terms and concepts, such as power and privilege. Visit the Understanding Hateful Conduct web page to learn more.
• Misconduct Incident Management Decision Tool is a quick reference guide to the decisions and processes involved in misconduct incident response — from reporting through to resolution. It will help command teams handle incidents with consistency and fairness and give members confidence that issues are taken seriously and will result in appropriate actions. Visit About the Misconduct Incident Decision Tool (accessible only on the National Defence Network).

Work is also underway to align the CAF with the DND Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention (WHVP) Program and the Canada Labour Code definition of harassment and violence. Having a unified approach in how workplace harassment and violence is prevented and addressed will make the workplace safer and improve the ability to address incidents when they occur. The new approach will go into effect on March 1, 2025. Watch for more info in the months ahead.

Efforts to improve professional conduct are gaining significant momentum across the organization. Keep seizing the opportunity to effect positive change and foster a high-performing culture where people are at their best.