Bill C-11 – First Provisions to Come into Force
August 18, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:44
On June 18, Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act received Royal Assent, which meant that all 48 recommendations from the Report of the Independent External Comprehensive Review of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (IERC) are deemed addressed by the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Royal Assent was an important milestone, and implementation is now underway. CANFORGEN 147/2026 provides additional guidance on these changes.
As of August 17, 2026, the CAF will no longer have the authority to investigate new Criminal Code Sexual Offences (CCSO) alleged to have been committed in Canada for the purposes of laying a charge under paragraph 130(1)(a) of the National Defence Act (NDA) or the Criminal Code of Canada. Courts martial will also no longer have jurisdiction over CCSOs alleged to have been committed in Canada, except for those matters where charges have already been laid. The full list of applicable offences will be set out at section 70 of the NDA. For Commanding Officers, supervisors and other responsible authorities, your responsibility to address misconduct of a sexual nature remains unchanged—this behaviour is totally incompatible with CAF values and ethics, and erodes trust, cohesion, operational effectiveness, and the well-being of all those affected. Leaders at every level must take decisive and documented action to prevent and address inappropriate conduct, support victims and affected persons, manage reports through the appropriate processes, hold individuals accountable, and sustain a culture of dignity and respect.
Actions or decisions taken within the Canadian Criminal Justice System, including a decision not to proceed with charges, a withdrawal, stay, acquittal, or any other non-conviction disposition in civilian court, do not prevent the CAF from pursuing administrative and/or disciplinary action in relation to the same misconduct, where warranted and in accordance with the legal framework.
For those who have been affected by misconduct, these changes may be difficult. You are not alone. Support services and resources for victims and affected persons remain available.
The Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) provides confidential guidance, trauma-informed support, information and referrals to those directly or indirectly affected by misconduct, regardless of whether the matter falls within military or civilian jurisdiction. The DCSRC is available 24/7 at 1-844-750-1648 or by email during business hours at DND.DCSRC-CSRCD.MDN@forces.gc.ca. A formal report is not required to receive support.
Additional direction and guidance will come this fall through a Chief of the Defence Staff and Deputy Minister Directive.