Stories of change: Your last opportunity to be a Defence Representative

September 18, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

Changing culture starts with listening. In the Restorative Engagement (RE) Program, Defence Representatives (DRs) listen to the stories of people affected by sexual misconduct in Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence (CAF/DND) context. They acknowledge the harm, learn from what they heard, and bring those lessons back to their teams.

When LCol Marc Comeau first joined the RE program as a DR, he thought culture change was someone else’s problem. “I assumed I was only guilty by association because I wore the uniform,” he recalls. “But I learned that I too had a part to play in the culture that allowed harmful behaviour to happen. That realization changed me.”

Others describe the program as a push to step outside what feels comfortable. For Sgt Douglas Granter, this meant opening up to difficult conversations. “We had to talk about things that made us uncomfortable, even distressed at times. But in the end, we became a closely-knit group. The feedback we received from class members made us feel like we had truly made a difference.” That difference, he says, started with himself: “The change we want in the Defence Team started within myself.”

For Cpl Tina Wu, the experience was both professional and personal. “Being part of the Restorative Engagement program was one of the best and most memorable experiences of my nearly eight-year military career. I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of class members and actively participate in transforming such a large organization. This program taught me skills that will benefit not only my military career but also help me succeed in every aspect of my personal life.”

The following cohorts are beginning in October 2025:

• Option 1 (full-time, 8 weeks): October 6 to December 2 (French only)
• Option 2 (2 weeks full-time at beginning and end, and periodic participation over 5-6 months): October 3, 2025, to March 27, 2026 (English and French)

If you want to be part of this journey, visit the Defence representative web page to find all information on the way to participate. If you want to know more about the role of a DR before nominating yourself or one of your team members, you may also request an information session on the role of a DR.

This is your last opportunity to join a mission that has already changed lives and to help carry those lessons forward as a driving force for change.