Question Period

Advice to the Minister

Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviour by General Vance

Question: When will the Canadian Armed Forces take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, regardless of rank or position?

  • Allegations of inappropriate behaviour by General Jonathan Vance are troubling.
  • National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces take all allegations of this nature very seriously.
  • Any type of misconduct critically undermines our ability to operate effectively and protect our members.
  • This applies to all individuals, regardless of rank or position.
  • National Defence remains committed to providing a work environment free from any and all forms of harm for all of its members.
  • Anything less is unacceptable.
  • National Defence remains dedicated to the wellbeing of our Defence Team members and will continue to offer support to anyone who needs it.

If pressed on barriers to reporting:

  • Our priority is caring for the well-being of those who have come forward, and ensure they feel supported and heard.
  • National Defence acknowledges that reporting incidents of sexual misconduct can be the source of significant stress for affected people.
  • That is why members can access services for care and support without submitting a formal report.
  • This includes services provided by the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, which operates independently from the chain of command.
  • We will continue to identify and address barriers to reporting, so that anyone affected by sexual misconduct feels safe and supported.

If pressed on any action to be taken on these allegations:

  • The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service has initiated an investigation.
  • As this situation unfolds, National Defence will continue to be as open and transparent as possible.

Quick Facts

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is a Military Police unit that independently investigates serious and sensitive matters relating to the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Responsible Principals: Judge Advocate General, Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) February 22, 2021

Question Period Summary (8-9 March 2021)

25 questions were posed to the Minister on 8 and 9 March from the NDP and CPC which followed the following lines of questioning:

  • Why did the PMO, Minister, and liberal staffers who knew of allegations, do nothing for 3 years?
  • Was the Minister trying to protect himself, the Prime Minister or his battle buddy by not acting on the allegations?
  • How will the Minister rebuild trust after failing to do his job?
  • What will the PM and Minister do to ensure CAF is free from harassment, when whistleblowers are threatened and senior officers remain in power may be complicit?
  • Why isn’t this government actioning the recommendations of 2019 report from the committee on Status of Women which studied the treatment of women in the CAF?
  • Did the Minister inform security services of compromising information regarding the CDS?
  • How can Operation Honour be affective if misconduct complaints are not actioned by senior leaders?
  • How can men and women in uniform could trust you when you failed to act on these concerns of inappropriate behaviour?
  • What part of the former Ombudsman’s testimony do you specifically agree with?

MND responded to all questions by using the following messaging:

  • All complaints of sexual misconduct are taken seriously are provided to the proper authorities
  • Politicians should not be involved in allegations, therefore complaints were brought to PCO
  • Minister disagrees with the testimony of the Ombudsman and looks forward to appearing at committee at the earliest convenience to set the record straight.
  • The government has advanced the victim’s rights bill, established the SMRC, looking at what type of independence needs to be provided for sexual misconduct, and established independent panel on systemic racism and gender bias against women
  • Minister’s office has never harassed whistleblowers, and his office’s switchboard sends those raising complaints to appropriate authorities
  • He noted that allegations were reported to the appropriate authorities before emphasizing that no politician should ever be part of conducting an investigation
  • The Minister went on to recognize that more work needs to be done to create a more inclusive environment in the Canadian Armed Forces

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