The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre Now Offers Independent Legal Assistance
News release
May 29, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) is expanding its services to include direct legal assistance at no cost to individuals, 18 years and older, who have experienced sexual misconduct in a Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) context.
Starting today, the Independent Legal Assistance (ILA) Program is launching the services of a full-time bilingual independent legal counsel with a background in the prosecution of sexual offences and knowledge of the military justice system.
The ILA Program supports individuals in making informed choices that align with their needs, goals, and circumstances, while helping them understand their rights and options.
Since May 2023, individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct within a DND/CAF context can also apply for reimbursement of eligible legal expenses if they consulted an external lawyer in Canada. Eligible expenses must have been incurred on or after April 1, 2019.
Individuals interested in the ILA Program’s services or in receiving reimbursement for their eligible legal costs can call the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648 to speak with a counsellor, who will refer them to the ILA Program. They can also email the SMSRC Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time at DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca.
Quotes
“The members who serve our country, and the Defence Team that supports them, deserve a workplace where they feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect. The expansion of the Independent Legal Assistance Program will provide access to legal counsel faster, helping clients understand their rights and options. I want to thank the SMSRC for the important work they do to support the Defence Team.”
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre wants to ensure that individuals affected by sexual misconduct in a DND/CAF context have access to the legal help they need, at no cost. Having an ILA Program Legal Team strengthens our ability to provide supportive and independent legal options and services.”
Martin Gravel, Chief Operations Officer, Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
Quick facts
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Budget 2021 provided $236.2 million over five years to expand the DND’s work to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the military and support survivors. The funding included a proposal to enhance internal support services to victims, including access to free, independent legal advice and enabling affected individuals to access services without making a formal complaint.
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The creation of the ILA Program formed part of the recommendations in the reports of the Third Independent Review Authority to the Minister of National Defence (IRA3 Report), the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR Report), the Final Report of the CAF/DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement, the Schedule N, and the Survivor Support Consultation Group.
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The ILA Program offers three types of legal support:
- Legal information: General information about the law and legal processes. It can help a person understand their legal rights or how and where to seek assistance.
- Legal advice: Personalized legal advice about military and criminal justice systems.
- Legal representation: Support and representation from the independent legal counsel in specific military and criminal court proceedings, such as protecting their private records or supporting their participation in justice processes.
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Current and former CAF members who have been accused of sexual misconduct may be eligible to obtain assistance, at no cost, from Defence Counsel Services. The duty counsel line is available anytime at 1-888-715-9636. In addition, people may qualify for provincial/territorial legal aid programs or may retain a civilian lawyer of their own choice and at their own cost.
Associated links
- Independent Legal Assistance Program
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre
- The Third Independent Reviews of the National Defence Act
- Report of the Independent External Comprehensive Review
- Survivor Support Consultation Group: Summary Report 2021 – Part V – Key Themes, Goals & Recommendations
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca