Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Team,
As I have stated, I was profoundly disturbed by the allegations raised in the press this spring regarding sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces and I do not accept that this is part of our military culture. In light of these allegations, I have ordered an external independent review into how, as an institution, we deal with issues of this nature.
I am pleased to announce today that Mme Marie Deschamps, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, has accepted to undertake this independent review. Based on Mme Deschamps’ extensive judicial experience, I am confident that she is the right person for this important work.
Mme Deschamps will receive our full cooperation and will have direct access to our members, facilities and documents. She will also be available to members who wish to contact her directly.
I look forward to receiving Mme Deschamps’ report and recommendations upon completion.
General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff
