Top prosecutors and military police officers said they would transfer cases of sexual misconduct to civilian authorities and notify victims affected by the change.
In a statement, Colonel Dylan Kerr, Director of Military Prosecutions, and Brigadier-General Simon Trudeau, Provost Marshal of the Canadian Armed Forces, defend the professionalism, dedication and competence of military prosecutors and the police under their command.
Yet they also recognize the current “lack of confidence” in the military justice system, particularly when it comes to allegations of sexual misconduct.
They explain that this is why they are following up on the recommendation of retired Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbor to transfer responsibility for investigating and prosecuting cases of military sexual misconduct of a criminal nature to civilian authorities.
Defense Minister Anita Anand said Thursday the government had accepted Judge Arbor’s recommendation, which follows allegations of sexual misconduct against several senior officers.
MM. Trudeau and Kerr say they have already started work on such a transfer, with Mr. Trudeau developing guidelines for his officers and a framework that will give civilian police “precedence” over investigations into sexual assault and criminal offenses. related.
The two men also promise talks with their civilian counterparts across the country to ensure a smooth transition and to inform victims whose cases are affected.
“To the victims, who are at the forefront of everything we do: Rest assured that the military police will offer their support throughout the process of transfer to the civilian justice system,” the statement said. Military Police will be contacting you and anyone affected by this change in the coming days to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have. ”