Message from CPCC leadership: Defence Team Consultation

November 15, 2021 - Defence Stories

When we last wrote to the Defence Team, we introduced the Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) organization and outlined the urgent need for institutional culture change. Our vision is to be more than a structure. CPCC is about building a movement for change that will increase our effectiveness and—more importantly—improve the lived experiences of all members of the Defence Team.

Events of the past year have been troubling, disillusioning and demoralizing. They have also ignited crucial conversations about our conduct and culture and shone a light on a wide range of issues and challenges. We have an unprecedented opportunity to renew our institution, and we must work together to seize it.

Join the discussion

When it comes to institutional culture the most important voices are yours—our Defence Team members. You are experiencing Defence culture every day; you know what is working and what is not; and you have the greatest stake in our collective efforts to build a safer, more welcoming institution.

Last month, CPCC kicked off the first phase of a Defence-wide Conduct and Culture Consultation with members—military and public service employees. The Consultation, which will run until February 2022, offers a range of in-person and virtual sessions, including town halls, two-way discussion groups and conversational interviews.

While all Defence Team members will be included in the town halls, participation is voluntary for all discussions. It is up to you to decide if, and how, you want to share your thoughts. We want to hear from the broadest range of voices and perspectives possible. For all sessions we will be seeking to provide a safe and supported space for participants to offer their points of view, ideas and feedback.

Town halls and Listening Sessions will be led by our CPCC leadership team. We will use these sessions to share information about CPCC’s vision and mandate, and to provide a space for two-way discussions about challenges, priorities, progress and initiatives. We will be visiting 18 bases/wings/DND locations across the country to conduct in-person sessions, and we look forward to meeting with many of you face-to-face. For those members we cannot visit in person, we will also be offering virtual versions of these sessions.

Culture Dialogues and Conversational Interviews will be led by non-military/non-government facilitators. These sessions will provide space for small group, two-way discussions specifically designed to help us assess the organization’s culture.

At the end of the consultation, we will share what we learned and explain how it will be reflected in the priorities and the actions we take.

Over the past few months, DND/CAF has taken positive steps to refocus and intensify the approach to conduct and culture. You can learn more about key efforts underway by visiting the online Conduct and Culture progress tracker. Help us to continue building momentum for genuine, long-term progress and enduring positive culture change by sharing your experiences and ideas.

Visit the Defence Team Conduct and Culture Consultation web page to learn more about the schedule, the types of sessions and how you can participate. If you have any questions about the Consultation, please reach out to CPCC at CPCCEngagements-CCPCEngagements@forces.gc.ca.

Lieutenant-General M.A.J. Carignan, CMM, MSM, CD
Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture

Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, MMM, MSM, CD
Command Chief Warrant Officer,
Professional Conduct and Culture

Marie Doyle
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister,
Professional Conduct and Culture