QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Military Judicial Process
June 16, 2021
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, on May 31, former justice Morris Fish published a report of the Third Independent Review Authority, directed to the Minister of National Defence. This report contained over 100 recommendations, which included the creation of specific offences for sexual misconduct and for hateful conduct. Ministers Sajjan and Lametti have committed to acting swiftly and, in fact, Budget 2021 does make some commitment to expand resources to combat misconduct and support survivors. Survivors in and out of the Armed Forces deserve to know when this support will come and that their government is truly committed.
Senator Gold, when will the funds be coming and when will they be released for survivors?
Thank you for raising this important issue. I don’t have a specific date for when the funds will be released. I will certainly look into that. But I can say, on behalf of the Government of Canada, that it takes very seriously the recommendations of Justice Fish. As you mentioned, it has accepted the recommendations and is working to implement the first batch of them with dispatch. The government is also aware that despite its efforts — and the efforts have been considerable — it is clear that much more needs to be done, both with regard to those who have been victimized by inappropriate and wrongful behaviour within the military but more generally so that the culture within Canada’s military is properly addressed and made a safer place for all those who serve in it.
The Fish report, Senator Gold, uncovered that as of February of this year 1,350 grievances were still outstanding. Over half of them are only at the initial stage. This would mean that there are hundreds of individuals in the Armed Forces who have grievances with their colleagues or superiors that have not yet been addressed, which could lead to increased issues within the forces. Is there concern in the government about the impact of leaving grievances unaddressed on military preparedness and our national security?
The short answer is, yes, the government is very concerned about the situation in the Canadian military in this area. It is taking measures, including, as has been previously reported, the appointment of former justice Louise Arbour to build upon the work of earlier inquiries and recommendations. This is something that the government takes very seriously. It is a difficult and challenging problem, the solution to which will require continual and increased efforts, to which this government is committed.