Sexual violence in the Canadian armed forces: time for an apology
The Canadian Armed Forces have been stricken by sex scandals for several years.
© AP
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
Canada has apologized to all those in its military who have experienced "
inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature
."
In 2016, an investigation revealed that at least three sexual assaults a day were committed in the military.
Advertising
Read more
The Canadian Armed Forces have for several years been plagued by scandals of inappropriate sexual behavior - usually committed by high-ranking officers.
A collective action was brought against the government and the armed forces, 19,000 people registered.
December 13, for the government and the armed forces, it was time for an apology - something they had always refused to do, despite an explosive report on the subject in 2015.
Today, I joined @CDS_Canada_CEMD and @DMDND_SMMDN to apologize on behalf of the Government of Canada, the @CanadianForces, and @NationalDefence for the failure of these institutions to protect our members and employees.
pic.twitter.com/EwhVHixFlF
- Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) December 13, 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed regret over these “
terrible mistakes of the past
”.
Defense Minister Anita Anand regretted that "
the very institution responsible for protecting and defending our country has not always protected and defended its own members
".
Finally the Chief of Staff, General Eyre, evoking an "
existential
"
challenge
, promised "
not to fail
" in his attempt to sweep away a "
culture hostile to women and LGBTQ, and conducive to serious incidents that are sexual harassment and sexual assault
".
He himself came to this post after the departure of his predecessor accused of "sexual misconduct" earlier this year, shortly after his appointment.
►
To read also
: sex scandals in the army splash high-ranking officials and the government in Canada
“
Fundamental changes
” have been announced - without much specificity.
Last month, the Minister of Defense had already announced that the investigation and prosecution of such charges in the army would be transferred to the civilian justice system.
Newsletter
Receive all international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
Canada
Criminality
Women