Defence Minister Bill Blair provides update on culture change reforms in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
News release
December 13, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, provided an update on culture change reforms in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Force (CAF) in response to the Final Report of Former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour’s Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR) of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces. This update comes on the one-year anniversary of the former Minister of National Defence’s Report to Parliament, which outlined the steps that the Government of Canada would take in response to all 48 of Madame Arbour’s recommendations.
As the former Minister of National Defence directed in the Report to Parliament exactly one year ago, DND/CAF is taking action to address all 48 IECR recommendations. Minister Blair noted that substantial progress has been made over the past year, and that 19 of the IECR recommendations will be implemented by the end of 2023. This includes the ability to take complaints for sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex directly to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, as well as the function and reports of the External Monitor.
Today, Minister Blair announced that DND/CAF is implementing recommendations 1 and 2, which require the revision of key terminology, starting with the abolition of the definition of “sexual misconduct” from policy.
In her report, Madame Arbour emphasized the importance of “proper, distinct definitions and processes for dealing with sexual harassment, as well as fraternization and adverse personal relationships.” She noted that “sexual misconduct” as a broad term “lacks coherence and clarity,” and in Recommendation 1, stated that the CAF should abolish the definition of “sexual misconduct.” In Recommendation 2, Madame Arbour states that “sexual assault should be included as a standalone item,” because including it under the “sexual misconduct” umbrella term has only caused confusion.
DND/CAF consulted with stakeholders to determine how to best address recommendations 1 and 2 before proceeding, and now is carrying out the work to address these recommendations. DND/CAF is abolishing the definition of “sexual misconduct” from policy. DND/CAF is also initiating the work to amend the definition of “sexual assault” as a stand-alone definition, referring to the Criminal Code of Canada in all relevant policy instruments to improve clarity and precision regarding prohibited conduct.
Since the release of the IECR report, we have made several other key advancements, including: initiating the repeal of duty to report; the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre’s (SMSRC) launch of the first phase of the Independent Legal Assistance Program and the Military Sexual Trauma Peer Support program; as well as, improvements to the selection process for leaders with character-based assessments, a civilian voting member on selection boards and a Conflict of Interest and Culture interview. Minister Blair also recently launched the Canadian Military Colleges Review Board.
Quotes
“Our members deserve a safe and inclusive workplace, and while we have been undertaking unprecedented efforts to create that environment, we know there is more work to be done. Madame Arbour’s report provided us with essential insights and recommendations to shape our culture change effort and we are taking decisive action to fully address all of her recommendations.”
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“As the External Monitor, Madame Jocelyne Therrien, noted in her most recent report, all IECR recommendations have been actioned and many have been completed. We are applying consistency and rigour to the way we are managing implementation. This is essential to increasing the level of trust and confidence in our ability to instill change for the betterment of our Defence Team.”
Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister of National Defence
“As I reflect on the progress we have made in address Mme Arbour’s recommendations, and on wider culture evolution efforts, I feel incredibly proud of what we have accomplished as an organization and the engagement of our Defence Team members who have been critical to our strong progress.”
General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff
“Our continued progress in implementing recommendations from external reviews is establishing a solid foundation for our culture evolution efforts. The well-being of our people is at the heart of our work to create a stronger and better institution for everyone. We will continue to work with and for Defence Team members to build a safer and more inclusive workplace.”
Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan, Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture
Quick facts
-
The Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR), led by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour, was launched in April 2021 to shed light on the causes of harassment and sexual misconduct in the CAF, by reviewing policies, procedures, programs, practices, and culture within the CAF and DND.
-
The final IECR report was released on May 30, 2022.
-
Exactly one year ago, on December 13, 2022, the Minister of National Defence presented a Report to Parliament on Culture Change Reforms in response to former Supreme Court Justice Arbour's recommendations, where all 48 recommendations were accepted.
-
In November 2023, the External Monitor appointed to oversee the progress of DND/CAF’s implementation of the recommendations in the IECR released her second status report, which provides observations on progress of all 48 IECR recommendations.
Associated links
Contacts
Diana Ebadi
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: diana.ebadi@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Page details
- Date modified: