Statement from the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal

Following the release of the Independent External Comprehensive Review conducted by Madame Justice Louise Arbour, I would like to provide a brief update on our current efforts to transfer or refer sexual assaults alleged to have been committed by a CAF member.

As I stated in November of 2021, I believe that civilian investigations for sexual assault and other criminal offences of a sexual nature under the Criminal Code is appropriate and necessary.

Transfer of ongoing cases and referral of new ones is being done in a deliberate and carefully planned manner in cooperation with civilian police services. In doing so, our primary concern is victim support throughout the process.

As of May 30^th 2022, the Military Police (MP) sought to refer 49 new cases, 22 of which have been accepted by federal, provincial and municipal police services.  The MP have also sought to transfer 13 ongoing cases, 9 of which are now being investigated by a civilian police service.  Of course, these numbers change on a daily basis.

The transfer and referral of cases raise a wide range of complex issues. Some agencies were not ready to accept investigations for reasons that reflect the diversity of law enforcement contexts in Canada.

Our aim is that civilian police services investigate all criminal sexual offences alleged to have been committed by a CAF member on which they have jurisdiction.

This is an important issue for the Defence community and the Canadian public.  I will therefore provide updates as this process unfolds.

Sincerely,

Brigadier-General Simon Trudeau,
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal