Statement from Minister Sajjan on the 2018 Spring Reports of the  Auditor General of Canada 

Statement

May 29, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan today issued the following statement in response to the 2018 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada:

“On behalf of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, I thank the Auditor General and his team for their efforts in completing these reports, and I welcome their findings and recommendations regarding the administration of military justice.

“Canada’s military justice system contributes significantly to the ability of the Canadian Armed Forces to achieve its mission in Canada and around the world, by assisting military commanders in maintaining discipline, efficiency and morale.

“If the military justice system is to remain both relevant and legitimate, it must evolve with the law while remaining responsive to its mandate.

“I agree with the recommendations provided by the Auditor General, and I am confident that they will assist us greatly in ensuring that the military justice system continues to evolve to serve the interests of Canadians and the armed forces.

“The Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Armed Forces is leading efforts, which are already well underway, to address the Auditor General’s recommendations. An action plan is being developed to ensure that they are fully implemented as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We remain committed to ensuring the military justice system reflects Canadian values while promoting a culture of leadership, respect and honour for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is why the Government recently tabled new legislation to introduce a Declaration of Victims Rights, while amending the National Defence Act to incorporate Indigenous sentencing considerations and reforming summary trials into a non-penal, non-criminal summary hearing process for dealing with minor service infractions.

“We have made an unprecedented commitment to provide the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the support they need and deserve through Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged. We will continue to ensure they have access to a fair and effective military justice system as they bravely serve Canadians at home and abroad.”

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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