REMINDER: Watch the DND/CAF Sexual Misconduct Apology

December 10, 2021 - Defence Stories

This message deals with topics that may trigger a range of difficult emotions. We recognize some people may not want to read further to minimize the risk of being triggered.

Team,

On Dec 13, 2021 at 1 p.m. EST, Minister Anand, together with both of us, will deliver an apology to all current and former members of the DND/CAF who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. 

We wanted to make it clear that we fully support and encourage all of you to take time to watch Monday’s public apology in the environment that is most supportive to you, including viewing the apology from the privacy of your own home. Non-operational activities are to be suspended and local senior leadership/management will provide the opportunity for as many people as possible to view the apology. Managers are asked to provide maximum accommodation for those who wish to stay home to view the apology, and to be highly cognizant that for some people returning to work on the day of will not be feasible.

We recognize that for some of you, the apology may evoke strong emotional responses and/or cause trauma to resurface. Should you or someone you know require support, a list of available support services can be found here.

Leaders and managers will also make themselves available to their teams and organizations following the event to provide people the opportunity to process and discuss the apology, should they wish.

If you, or someone you know, have experienced an incident of sexual misconduct, services are available to Defence Team members.

HOW TO WATCH

The apology will take place virtually Monday, December 13, at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on the Canadian Armed Forces Facebook page (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website). Viewers can watch the video stream without an account or signing in to Facebook. A link to the video stream will be posted shortly before the event on the CAF and DND Facebook and Twitter pages, and will also be available on the DND/CAF Sexual Misconduct Apology web page. The event will also be recorded and available afterwards on YouTube (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) for those who are unable to watch it live or prefer to view it at a later time.

Those who are able to view the livestream outside of a DWAN work station are asked to do so to help to reduce stress on the network during the apology.