Military Police to Undergo Independent Review, Announces Government
The Canadian government has announced that the military police will undergo an independent review, following concerns about their handling of sexual misconduct cases. This decision comes after a series of high-profile cases involving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and allegations of sexual harassment and assault.
The review, which will be conducted by former Supreme Court justice Morris Fish, will examine the structure, culture, and policies of the military police. It will also assess their effectiveness in addressing and preventing sexual misconduct within the CAF.
In a statement, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the CAF. He stated, “We must do better to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This independent review will help us identify any gaps and make necessary changes to improve the military police’s response to sexual misconduct.”
The review will also include consultations with current and former members of the military police, as well as other stakeholders and experts. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
This announcement comes after a scathing report by former Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps in 2015, which found a culture of sexual harassment and discrimination within the CAF. Since then, the government has implemented several measures to address the issue, including the creation of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre and the appointment of a new Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Art McDonald.
However, recent cases, including the high-profile allegations against former Chief of Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance, have raised questions about the effectiveness of these measures. The independent review of the military police is seen as a necessary step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring accountability within the CAF.
In response to the announcement, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, Brigadier-General Simon Trudeau, stated, “We welcome this review and are committed to working with Justice Fish to ensure that our policies and procedures are effective in addressing sexual misconduct within the CAF.”
The government has also announced that it will be providing additional resources to the military police to support their work during the review process.
This independent review of the military police is a significant step towards addressing the issue of sexual misconduct within the CAF. It is hoped that the findings and recommendations of the review will lead to meaningful changes and improvements in the way the military police handle these cases, ultimately creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
