CANCDTGEN 006/23

Canadian Cadet General Order (CANCDTGEN)

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Interim Guidance on Gender Inclusion

Refs:

1. CF Mil Pers Instr 01/19, Transgender Guidance (link accessible only on the DWAN)
2. Canadian Human Rights Act
3. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
4. Privacy Act
5. Inclusive Behaviours within the Defence Team
6. 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat
7. Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology
8. Gender and Sexual diversity Glossaries
9. COATS Self-Development Series (link accessible only on the Cadet365 Sharepoint)

1. The Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) promotes a culture where all people feel welcomed, valued, respected, connected, and safe physically, psychologically, and emotionally, in an environment free from all forms of discrimination, abuse, inappropriate conduct, and damaging behaviour. We foster an inclusive environment where all people may feel empowered to be their authentic selves; safe and comfortable to demonstrate gender identity and their choice of gender expression.
2. A review of policies, processes and support materials is underway to identify required changes to ensure CJCR Gp provides a healthy, inclusive, and safe environment. Adjustments will include changes to ensure greater gender inclusion. With this in mind, effective immediately:
   1. CJCR Gp O 5516-1, Transgender Cadets, is no longer in effect; and
   2. CJCR Gp O 5001-0, Supervision of Cadets, paragraphs 4.16 and 5.3 have been removed.
3. The following guidelines must be adhered to at all activities, as we build and maintain safe, inclusive environments and reduce the risk of discrimination and harmful conduct:
   1. Pronouns: All persons will be referred to using the pronouns of their choice. If pronouns are not known:
      1. use rank and last name;
      2. use gender neutral pronouns based on individual preference; or
      3. invite the individuals to share their pronouns, should they so desire.
   2. Overnight accommodations, washrooms, and changing facilities: Every effort must be made to provide accessible facilities and lodgings. Youth and their parents/guardians will be made aware of the options available for washrooms, changing facilities and lodgings for activities, and how to request an accommodation. All persons will be invited to make their own selection regarding the washroom/changing facilities they wish to use. As outlined at reference A, in cases where options are limited, the Commanding Officer or activity Officer of Primary Interest may consider the following to support all participants by:
      1. designating a single bathroom/shower room as “Use for All” or gender neutral;
      2. providing change rooms and shower facilities with privacy curtains; or
      3. establishing set timings for facility use.
4. Guidance and support references relating to inclusion, diversity and equity may be found at refs E to I. For further support or questions regarding gender inclusion, personnel should connect with their chain of command for further direction and guidance.
5. All are encouraged to contact the following resources, many of which are available 24/7, should they need additional supports outside of the chain of command:
   1. Kids Help Phone:
      1. Website: www.KidsHelpPhone.ca;
      2. Call: 1-800-668-6868 ; or
      3. Text: 686868;
   2. Canadian Centre for Child Protection: Website: www.protectchildren.ca;
   3. Canadian Suicide Prevention Services:
      1. Website: www.talksuicide.ca;
      2. Call: 1-833-456-4566; or
      3. Text: 45645;
   4. Hope for Wellness Hotline:
      1. Website: www.hopeforwellness.ca; or
      2. Call: 1-855-242-3310;
   5. Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP):
      1. Website: www.canada.ca; or
      2. Call: 1-800-268-7708.
6. Questions concerning the interim guidance may be directed through the Chain of Command.