Ending Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Gender-based Violence in the Military

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the right to work in an environment that is free from violence, harassment, and discrimination. Allegations of sexual misconduct, homophobia, and xenophobia in the Canadian Armed Forces have shocked Canadians and revealed an unacceptable culture of discrimination and impunity. The women and men of the armed forces make tremendous sacrifices to keep us safe and protect Canadian values. They are owed nothing less than the same.

A re-elected Liberal government will:

  • Implement the recommendations of the Independent External Comprehensive Review led by Justice Arbour to address sexual harassment and misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces, including instituting external oversight and independence over the processes of reporting, investigating, and adjudicating complaints, outside of the chain of command.
  • Modernize the military justice system and ensure survivors are treated with respect and have the full range of options and services available in the civilian system, including implementing recommendations from the Third Independent Review of the National Defence Act led by Justice Fish.
  • Expand resources available to survivors through the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre and make these services available to all members of the defence team, including DND employees, veterans, and members of military families.
  • Expand health services available to women in the CAF, ensuring comprehensive access to sexual and reproductive health resources, child care, and mental health resources. We will increase investments to address the clinical, occupational and deployment health needs of CAF women in cooperation with the newly established National Institute of Women’s Health.
  • Co-design and fully fund a permanent peer-to-peer support program for CAF members who have experienced military sexual trauma and make it accessible to all members of the defence team.
  • Work to root out all sources of anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism, LGBTQ2 prejudice, gender bias, and white supremacy in the Canadian Armed Forces and implement the recommendations of the Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism, Discrimination to ensure that all members of the defence team work in a safe and respectful workplace.
  • Undertake ambitious efforts to improve the diversity of the CAF, including women, LGBTQ2, Indigenous, Black, and racialized Canadians and persons with disabilities.