Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism, Discrimination with a focus on anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2+ Prejudice, Gender Bias and White Supremacy

On 17 December 2020, the Minister of National Defence, the Hon. Harjit Sajjan, created an Advisory Panel as part of its efforts to support Indigenous, Black and People of Colour along with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2+) community and women at National Defence. 

Mandate

As part of its mandate to eliminate racism and discrimination within the organization, the Advisory Panel will review existing organization’s policies, processes and practices and recommend others that will address these issues. It will provide recommendations to the Minister on how as an institution the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can become a more equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace.

The Advisory Panel will be addressing the factors internal and external to DND/CAF that are challenging the measurement of progress in the elimination of systemic barriers.

In addition, an Anti-Racism Secretariat has been established within the organization to support the work of the Minister’s Advisory Panel.

About Us

The Minister has appointed four members who represent diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise and perspectives. They are actively engaged in their communities and are eager to advance these efforts.

This panel is composed of:

• Major-General E.S. (Ed) Fitch, OMM, MSM, CD (Ret’d) 
• Sergeant Derek Montour (Ret’d)
• Major Sandra Perron, CD (Ret’d), HLCol of the Régiment de Hull
• Captain D.L. (Door) Gibson, MMM, CD (Ret’d)

Advisory Panel Member Biographies

Milestones

The Advisory Panel has been active with its work since January 2021, engaging with Defence internal and external stakeholders, senior leaders, Defence Advisory Groups and various networks within the organization.

Timeline is as follows:

• Preliminary report and recommendations to the Minister of National Defence by June 30, 2021.
• Final report and recommendations by December 31, 2021.

Contact the Advisory Panel

Connect with members of the Panel, ask questions or provide written comments by sending an email to:  

+Anti-Racism Secretariat -Secrétariat Anti-Racisme@Corp Sec@Ottawa-Hull

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference for Advisory Panel on Systemic racism and discrimination with a focus on anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2+ prejudice, gender bias, and white supremacy

Related links

Minister of National Defence announce Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism, Discrimination with a focus on anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2+ Prejudice, Gender Bias and White Supremacy - Canada.ca

Minister of National Defence Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination – Final Report – January 2022