Defence Minister Anand moving military sexual misconduct cases into civilian justice system | CBC News

The military has been reeling over a series of sexual misconduct investigations. Since early February 2021, 11 current and former senior Canadian military leaders have been sidelined, investigated or forced into retirement from some of the most powerful and prestigious posts in the defence establishment.

Arbour is leading an external review into sexual harassment and misconduct in the Canadian military. She’s advising the federal government on how an independent, external reporting system — one which allows victims to report acts violence and misconduct without fear of reprisal — can be put in place.

Her review, which began in April, is expected to last about a year. Anand’s move today is in response to one of the interim recommendations Arbour gave to Anand’s predecessor, Harjit Sajjan, last month.

Arbour said that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) should continue to conduct administrative reviews of sexual misconduct cases in parallel with civilian courts, regardless of whether these cases result in charges. 

Arbour said, however, that “particular consideration” should be given to “how and when civilian authorities — in the course of an investigation — should convey relevant information about the investigation to the CAF leadership.”

Survivors of sexual assault and misconduct in the ranks testifying before recent parliamentary committees have called for an external reporting agency.

Those committees launched hearings after the country’s two most senior military commanders — retired general Jonathan Vance and Admiral Art McDonald — were accused separately of inappropriate behaviour.

More to come …