Defence Minister Bill Blair releases fourth status report of the External Monitor

News release

November 20, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, released the fourth biannual status report of the External Monitor, Madame Jocelyne Therrien.

The report provides an external, independent assessment of the progress made by the Department of Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in implementing the recommendations made by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour in the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR), released in May 2022.

In this latest report, Madame Therrien provides an update on the implementation of recommendations based on her regular discussions with Minister Blair and DND/CAF officials, as well as review of documents, policies and processes.

Madame Therrien reiterates that there is a genuine will to change the organizational culture of DND/CAF—noting significant positive momentum since 2021. Examples of positive progress cited in her report include:

the creation of a probationary period by December 2024 that will more systematically assess the suitability of recruits in terms of moral values, including the capacity to release members with less administrative burden than currently exists;
initiatives implemented to streamline the process of getting a recruit in the door and ready for training;
the professional education continuum focused on ethical values that get reinforced throughout a member’s career;
a promotion process that is built upon the precepts of character-based leadership; and
the efforts to choose instructors who genuinely personify and can effectively teach appropriate behaviour.

While the drive for institutional change is evident, Madame Therrien notes that some challenges remain persistent. The quality of data available creates obstacles to fully understand the scope of the problem and whether organizational changes have had the desired effect. She also notes the challenges created by CAF rotation patterns, specifically when it comes to institutionalizing the desired change.

Madame Therrien states that all 48 IECR recommendations have been actioned, as have several recommendations from other external reviews. Twenty-two IECR recommendations have been deemed fully implemented.

The Military Justice System Modernization Act, Bill C-66, has also reached second reading in the House of Commons. This legislation would definitively remove the CAF’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada, giving exclusive jurisdiction to civilian authorities.

In a statement, Minister Blair welcomed this report and thanked the External Monitor for her independent and external perspective. Minister Blair also outlined the progress made to date, and measures that the Government is taking to implement the remainder of Madame Arbour’s 48 recommendations.

Quotes

“Meaningful cultural change in the Defence Team requires significant effort. That is what we are delivering. Implementation of the 48 recommendations provided by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour is critical to our efforts and we continue to make steady progress. The External Monitor, Madame Jocelyne Therrien, is helping us stay on track and focused on the intent of the recommendations, so that we deliver meaningful results for our people.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

“This latest report highlights important progress we've made toward building a more inclusive workplace. Implementing these recommendations is helping us break down barriers and find new ways of doing things, which is strengthening our organization. Thanks to the diligent work of Defence Team members and the valuable insights from the External Monitor, we are driving positive change.”

Stefanie Beck, Deputy Minister of National Defence

“We’re encouraged that our efforts to improve our professional conduct are gaining significant momentum across the organization. By actively listening to our team members and continuously adapting our systems and mindsets, we’re confident we’re on the right path to strengthen the team where each person can contribute their very best. We’re committed to making meaningful and lasting change.”

Lieutenant-General Paul Prévost, Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture

Quick facts

Madame Jocelyne Therrien was appointed as External Monitor in October 2022 for an initial term of one year, fulfilling recommendation 48 of the IECR report. The External Monitor’s term has been renewed annually and was recently renewed for an additional year on October 19, 2024.
Per the External Monitor Terms of Reference, Madame Therrien’s role is to provide advice to the Minister on the oversight and implementation of the recommendations in Madame Arbour’s IECR report, while considering those of other external reviews.
The report released today builds on previous status reports of the External Monitor, released:
- The third External Monitor Report was published on May 16, 2024.
- The second External Monitor Report was published on November 21, 2023.
- The first External Monitor Report was published on May 17, 2023.
The IECR (led by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour) was launched in April 2021 to shed light on the causes of harassment and sexual misconduct in the CAF, by reviewing policies, procedures, programs, practices and culture within the CAF and DND.
Madame Arbour’s final IECR report was made public on May 30, 2022.
In December 2022, the Minister of National Defence presented a Report to Parliament, outlining the steps that the Government of Canada would take to respond to all 48 IECR recommendations. DND/CAF continues to work on meaningful reform and culture change in response to the recommendations.
On March 21, 2024, Defence Minister Bill Blair introduced Bill C-66, or the Military Justice System Modernization Act. The proposed legislation addresses key recommendations from former Supreme Court Justices Louise Arbour and Morris J. Fish. To address the recommendation 5 from the IECR, the proposed legislation would definitively remove CAF jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada. The bill is currently in its second reading in the House of Commons.
On June 2024, DND released the Comprehensive Implementation Plan (CIP), a detailed, five-year roadmap that indicates how the institution is addressing recommendations from four key external review reports, including the IECR.

Associated links

Contacts

Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2024-11-20

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