Response to MND: Request for an Inquiry into Racism
6 February 2020
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive,
13th Floor, North Tower
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Dear Minister Sajjan,
In a letter dated 29 July 2019, you requested that this office identify actions that can be taken to investigate racism within the Canadian Armed Forces. I am pleased to inform you that our office has established a clear path forward with respect to how we can bring lasting positive change to the Defence Community on this issue.
As you know, the Ministerial Directives prohibit this office from investigating any matter in which there may be an allegation of criminal activity, including hate speech, or the involvement of Canadian Armed Forces members in groups espousing or promoting extreme and violent racist ideologies. I am, however, encouraged by the active and ongoing efforts of those branches of the Canadian Armed Forces, along with other government departments and agencies who are responsible for investigating and disrupting such activity.
I am directing my team to conduct an in-depth investigation into how racist conduct is prevented, identified, reported, and dealt with in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence within the context of, but not limited to:
- existing policies;
- programs;
- services;
- recruitment; and
- training and education.
We will not assess the prevalence of racism within the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces. Our focus will remain on administrative fairness and the impact on constituents. I firmly believe that the evidence-based recommendations stemming from this investigation will help support your stated goal of creating and maintaining a strong and diverse organization that is an attractive employer to all Canadians.
I remain available should you require further information or wish to discuss this matter. In keeping with our office’s mandate, any report remitted back to you will be subject to a 28 day hold period prior to public release.
Sincerely,
Gregory A. Lick
Ombudsman