Response to Arbour : Request for documents

6 July 2021

 

The Honourable Louise Arbour C.C., G.O.Q
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Bay Adelaide Centre, East Tower
22 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, ON, Canada M5H 4E3

 

Re:Independent External Comprehensive Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces

Dear Justice Arbour:

Congratulations on your appointment to lead the Review into Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces. I am hopeful that your team will be able find solutions for culture change including reform of redress mechanisms that will allow for the fearless reporting of inappropriate behaviours and their timely and fair resolution.

The actions that must finally result from your work are vital to the institution, and I believe that it goes far beyond the specific subject matter of sexual misconduct. My office is one of general oversight for the Defence community and the concept of independence is one that has preoccupied my office since it was created 23 years ago. Although the Office of the Ombudsman does not fall within your review mandate, I would be pleased to provide all of the studies and information that we have regarding independent oversight. Please let me know if this is of interest.

With respect to statistics, all of the relevant information is regularly updated on our website. However, for your ease of reference, I will ask that the most recent information be provided to you in the coming days. Further, while we are available to discuss types of complaints and general observations, we are not able to disclose the personal details of our constituent files.

I extend my best wishes in the conclusion of your review and invite you to contact my office should you consider it helpful. 

Sincerely,

 

Greg Lick

Ombudsman