Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
What success looks like
The Chief of Defence Staff and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) senior leaders continue to lead the full implementation of recommendations made by the Deschamps report and in Operation HONOUR, the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the military. CAF members have access to a full range of victim and survivor services, and harassment complaints are dealt with in a timely manner.
Government's narrative on progress
The defence policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged— affirms that the Government of Canada will not tolerate gender-based violence or workplace harassment. It also reaffirms the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) commitment to complete the full implementation of the 10 recommendations of the Deschamps Report through Operation HONOUR, which is the CAF’s mission to eliminate sexual misconduct in the military. On February 26, 2019, the CAF released its fourth progress report on Operation HONOUR. The report outlines in detail the work the CAF has completed to date and indicates areas where the CAF will refine or intensify its efforts. Since 2015, the CAF has completed significant foundational work to address sexual misconduct. It has enhanced victim support by establishing the independent Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC), which offers support 24/7. The CAF has also increased awareness and understanding of sexual misconduct; developed and delivered training at all levels of the organization; sought the opinions of personnel through internally and externally administered (Statistics Canada) surveys; and improved reporting mechanisms and investigation capacity and expertise. The November 2018 Report of the Auditor General identified a number of areas for improvement. The Defence Team has responded and is working with external stakeholders and experts to ensure long-term cultural change including: • Expanding the role and mandate of the SMRC, to make it the authoritative voice on victim support and advocacy; • Developing an integrated, national victim support strategy to ensure victims have access to the most effective and appropriate support possible; • Developing a case management service, paired with a performance management measurement framework to help us monitor and improve our support services; and • Adjusting its approach to ensure that those affected by sexual misconduct have more control over the reporting process and decisions that will impact them.
Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.