Response from MND: Support for Chaplaincy
October 18, 2022
Mr. Gregory Lick, CD
Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces
Office of the Ombudsman
100 Metcalfe Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa ON K1P 5M1
Dear Gregory Lick:
Thank you for your correspondence of July 6, 2022, about the measures initiated by the Canadian Armed Forces Royal Canadian Chaplain Service and the feedback from your outreach across the country.
I appreciate your bringing your perspective on these issues to my attention and to the attention of the Chief of the Defence Staff. I deeply value the important services your team and you provide to the Defence Team on this issue and many others, as we work to build an institution where everyone feels safe, protected, and respected in an environment free from racism and discrimination.
As you note, the chaplains of the Armed Forces provide a valuable service to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. Indeed, for many decades, chaplains from a wide range of faiths have served the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and will continue to do so in the years to come.
We are deeply grateful to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) chaplains for their valuable services to Canada and for their meaningful work to provide an active, personal and supportive presence.
We also recognize the recent changes they have made. We are keeping all this in mind when looking at the services going forward. As Minister of National Defence, I believe that the chaplaincy should represent Canada’s diversity, upholding the values and principles of the military, and provide CAF members with access to spiritual or religious guidance if they seek it, regardless of their faith.
Your correspondence has also been forwarded to departmental officials for their information. In addition, I have asked my office to remain in close contact with your office on this important issue.
Sincerely yours,
The Honourable Anita Anand, PC, MP
Minister of National Defence