DM/CDS Message on culture change reforms
December 13, 2022 - Defence Stories
The following content could evoke a range of responses. Should you or someone you know have been affected by an incident of sexual misconduct, there are resources available to support current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and National Defence public service employees. The Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) provides 24/7 confidential support by telephone at 1-844-750-1648 and by email at DND.SMRC-CIIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca. A trained counsellor will take the call, listen, discuss the kind of resources best suited to the individual’s needs, and help with any next steps. The SMRC is independent from the CAF chain of command and counsellors do not have a duty to report.
Team
Since the May 2022 release of the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR) report, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) have worked hard to develop a solid pathway towards implementing the report’s recommendations for addressing sexual misconduct in the CAF.
When the IECR report was released, 17 recommendations were immediately accepted. Now, our Minister of National Defence (MND), the Honourable Anita Anand, decided that none of Madame Arbour’s recommendations will be rejected. She has directed DND/CAF officials to move forward on implementing the 48 IECR recommendations and that options for implementation be fleshed out.
The MND has now provided an update to Parliament by tabling a report demonstrating the progress made to date.
Who is overseeing the recommendations?
The MND recently announced the appointment of Madame Jocelyne Therrien as the External Monitor. This position oversees the DND/CAF’s efforts to implement the recommendations made within the IECR report.
We are taking a holistic approach by looking at all recommendations from external reviews, including the Report of the Third Independent Review of the National Defence Act (the Fish Report), the Advisory Panel on Racism and Discrimination, the CAF/DND Sexual Misconduct and LGBT Purge class actions, and Parliamentary committee reports, and grouping them by common thematic issues that will be linked to desired outcomes. We believe this will better serve our Defence Team. This work is coordinated by the External Comprehensive Reviews Implementation Committee co-chaired by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and the Judge Advocate General. The committee’s secretariat will oversee the prioritization, direction and coordination of all recommendations.
What is being done about the grievance process?
We are making improvements to the military grievance process and conflict resolution services in order to provide the resources and support to those who need it. These improvements will help resolve issues at lower levels better, as well as making the process and services as effective as possible.
Where are we at with the transfer of cases to the civilian system?
We are continuing to examine how to implement recommendation #5 to remove criminal code sexual offences from the jurisdiction of the CAF and transfer cases to civilian authorities. In the meantime, the interim recommendation to refer and transfer sexual assault and other criminal offences of a sexual nature under the Criminal Code to the civilian justice system remains in effect.
The Military Police continue to work with civilian police agencies and refer allegations of a sexual nature, while putting the needs of the affected person at the centre of the report process and investigation.
What's next for the SMRC?
The SMRC continues to expand its services and programs to better support currently serving and former members of the CAF and DND public service employees who are affected by sexual misconduct. For example, over the past year the SMRC has expanded its Response and Support Coordination (RSC) Program. A dedicated coordinator is assigned to each individual who joins the program. Services are tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances, and can include case coordination, advocacy, accompaniment, assistance with workplace arrangements and other forms of practical assistance.
Further, the SMRC launched a Call for Applications for its new Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program. This program will fund projects led by not-for-profit Canadian, community-based organizations with the ability and expertise to support people affected by sexual misconduct in the wider Defence community.
Additionally, work is underway to change the name of SMRC to align better with the SMRC’s scope as a support and resource centre.
What is changing about training and education?
We are currently re-designing basic training with the intent to launch a streamlined, eight-week course focused on building inclusive teams, professional values, resilience, and core military skill, beginning in 2023.
As fully invested stakeholders, the Canadian Defence Academy and the military colleges are contributing to the recommendation for an external review of the colleges by providing analysis and solutions where and as appropriate.
The development of a conduct and culture training and education framework is also in progress. This framework will enhance education and awareness programs related to conduct and culture.
How are we addressing recruitment-related issues?
We are preparing a Recruitment Modernization Implementation initiative which streamlines the Basic Military Qualification. Additionally, we are streamlining how we communicate with potential and new recruits using digital methods and mediums.
We are also assessing the Medical Triage Process in order to conduct medical screenings of recruits faster and more efficiently, as well as making improvements to the testing required of recruits.
In addition, a specific Recruiting Specialty Course is being introduced to recruiters with three-to-six months on-the-job training to achieve certification, helping improve professional competence.
Where can you learn more?
You can read the update to Parliament tabled by the MND that will be available at Independent External Comprehensive Review on Canada.ca.
Even though the focus of the IECR report is on the CAF, we have a strong desire to make positive changes throughout the Defence Team which will require everyone’s effort.
Ensuring that we are protecting the safety and security of our Defence Team members means that you can continue to ensure the safety and security of our country.
To each and every Defence Team member, thank you for your input, your shared experiences, and your own personal efforts. With your support, we will deliver meaningful reforms that will strengthen, grow and improve our institution.
Bill Matthews
Deputy Minister of National Defence
General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff