We are proud to announce that the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (Interim) is now open. As a direct result of Operation HONOUR, the SMRC (I) will deliver support by providing information to Canadian Armed Forces members on internal and external resources in order to make informed choices to meet their needs. The SMRC (I) services are complementary to those that already exist within the CAF or DND.
If Canadian Armed Forces members have experienced or witnessed harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour, the Centre is now available by phone at 1-844-750-1648 or by e-mail DND.SMRC-CIIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca A team of dedicated professionals is ready to provide support, information, and referrals between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday. Should a call be received outside of regular hours of operations or on statutory holidays, members will be able to leave a message and at their request, one of the staff members will return their call within one business day.
We are also pleased to announce that Ms. Jan Lalonde has been appointed Interim Executive Director for the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (Interim).
With more than 35 years as a member of the Public Service of Canada, Ms. Lalonde brings with her a wealth of knowledge and extensive leadership experience. Over the span of her career, she has worked primarily in the fields of human resources and communications for various departments including Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, the National Transportation Agency, Forestry Canada, and Agriculture Canada.
Ms. Lalonde will help develop the plan for the permanent centre, scheduled to be up and running by 2017.
Here is a list of the services provided:
- Access for CAF members to a professional by calling 1-844-750-1648 or e-mailing the centre directly at DND.SMRC-CIIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca ;
- Planning assistance for the member’s immediate safety in case of a crisis situation;
- Empathetic listening to meet members’ emotional needs;
- Information about available options for members to guide them in making the best choices for their individual circumstances. This includes what to expect of the investigative processes or complaint processes to support victims;
- Information about other available resources, as required, including Canadian Forces Health Services, Chaplain Services, Military Family Resource Centres, Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP), the Family Information Line, hospital emergency departments, and rape crisis centres.
While the SMRC (I) is focused on supporting CAF members, resources are available for all members of the Defence Team who may encounter harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour. Civilian members of the Defence Team are encouraged to report incidents to their Responsible Officer, who is the authority to ensure that complaints are dealt with. If they do not know who that person is, they may contact their unit Harassment Advisor or Labour Relations Officer by speaking with their Human Resources Advisor. Civilian employees who contact the SMRC (I) will be referred to services available to non-CAF employees such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other local specialized centres.
Our goal is for all members of the Defence Team to be able to work in an environment free of harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour. We are confident that the creation of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (Interim) will help us achieve that objective.
John Forster
Deputy Minister
General Jonathan Vance
Chief of Defence Staff
