Message from the CPCC Command Team: Upholding Professional Conduct Across the Defence Team

March 10, 2026 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:10

We are committed to providing all Defence Team members with a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe. These principles guide how we serve Canadians and how we treat one another every day. However, recently, we have all seen some examples of reported behaviour that has fallen short of these expectations.

To be clear, hateful conduct and all forms of harassment, discrimination, extremism, racism, and inappropriate behaviour are completely unacceptable within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) — this behaviour undermines the trust, professionalism, and the well‑being of our people, our institution, and the Canadians we serve. Racism, hateful conduct, and extremist ideologies are incompatible with our values and professional obligations, as clearly set out in the DND and CAF Code of Values and Ethics and the Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve. 

As members of the Defence Team, we have an obligation to serve Canada first, which means that each and every one of us have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of conduct, on duty and off duty, including in our online activities. Behaviours that promote, justify, or encourage violence or hatred against anyone will not be tolerated and will result in administrative or disciplinary action and, where the circumstances warrant, criminal investigation. Full stop.

With this said, we all need to understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and how it should be addressed. Defence Administrative Order and Directive (DAOD) 5019‑0, Conduct and Performance Deficiencies establishes a clear policy and definition of hateful conduct. The Hateful Conduct Spectrum provides guidance that supports the application of the policy by identifying a range of behaviours from conduct deficiencies to criminal acts. These resources help prevent issues by enabling early recognition of behaviours or barriers that can undermine a respectful workplace. In the coming weeks, a Defence Team Anti‑racism Framework and Anti‑racism Lens will be released to further guide members in identifying risks and addressing harmful behaviours. 

We encourage all Defence Team members to speak up if they witness or experience behaviour that runs counter to our standards and ultimately, the expectations of Canadians — concerns will be taken seriously and addressed through established procedures that uphold due process and fairness.

As an institution responsible for protecting Canadians and Canada, our strength depends on a cohesive, resilient, and ethically grounded culture. Maintaining a culture built on dignity and respect is essential to team cohesion, morale, and operational effectiveness. By upholding our shared values, holding each other accountable, and supporting an environment where all members, civilian and military alike are fully part of the team, we will make sure our Defence Team continues to be equipped to serve Canadians today and well into the future. This is what Canadians rightfully expect, and the leadership of the DND/CAF will tolerate nothing less.