Canadian Armed Forces apologizes for history of systemic racism and racial discrimination
News release
October 30, 2025 – Ottawa – Canadian Armed Forces
Today, General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer, delivered a formal apology to all current and former CAF members and their families who have experienced systemic racism, racial discrimination, and racial harassment in connection to their military service.
The apology was delivered at a ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario, to acknowledge the CAF’s challenges in fostering a workplace where every person is treated with respect and fairness. This apology is part of the CAF’s continued responsibility to address the harm caused by systemic racism and to work toward meaningful and lasting change.
This apology is not the end of the CAF’s work. It is part of a sustained institutional effort to dismantle systemic barriers, address biases at every level, and to create a healthy, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all CAF members.
This apology was an important, necessary, and solemn moment and could evoke strong emotional responses and/or cause trauma to resurface. Should current and former CAF members and their families require support, they can access a range of support services.
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Quotes
“On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest and most sincere apology. To every member and veteran who has experienced racism, discrimination, and harassment: we failed you. We failed to live up to our values and to protect your dignity and well-being.”
“This apology is not the end of our work; it is the beginning of renewed and unwavering action. We know that apologies without deeds ring hollow. That is why we commit to dismantling systemic barriers, addressing biases at every level, and integrating learning about systemic racism into recruitment, training, and retention.”
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“Today, we acknowledge that racism and discrimination were not isolated incidents. They were tolerated, sometimes hidden, and too often excused. That is a failure of our culture and our leadership.”
“On behalf of Canadian Armed Forces leadership, I apologize deeply to every member who has faced racism and discrimination. I am sorry for the silence that met your calls for help. I am sorry for the moments when you were made to feel invisible, or when your loyalty and identity were questioned. You deserved far better.”
Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer
Quick facts
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This apology was not legally mandated; it is part of the CAF’s efforts to proactively engage in the restoration of trust and healing of past harms.
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The ceremony was held today with General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer in Ottawa. The speakers also included a Territorial Welcome by Elder Albert Dumont; Sgt (Ret’d) Wendy Jocko, CD; Capt (Ret’d) Kevin Junor, MMM, OOnt, CD; LCdr (Ret’d) Albert Wong, CD; and the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. There were nearly 300 people in attendance.
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Four consultation sessions were held in January and February 2025 with people with lived experience, including current and former CAF members, and academic experts. The apology reflects these consultations and aligns with findings from external reviews and reports that have underscored the need to address systemic racism in the CAF.
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As part of a broader effort to evolve its culture and implement meaningful change aimed at eradicating racism, discrimination, and hateful conduct, the Defence Team has addressed all 8 recommendations from the National Apology Advisory Committee Report, while close to 80% (or 31 of 39) of the recommendations of the Minister of National Defence’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination Final Report have been implemented and 38 recommendations are expected to be addressed by December 2025.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca