After the Navy conducted an investigation into the suspected sexual misconduct by senior officials, the Secretary of Defense Harjit Sajjan asked for a briefing. It turned out that there was a “sex culture”, but there was no disciplinary action.
In a statement to Global News, Minister spokesman Daniel Minden stated that the minister-who retains his role during the ongoing elections-has not yet understood the specific details of the review, and the results of the review will be announced on the Friday afternoon before the long weekend.
“Everyone in the Canadian Armed Forces has the right to a safe working environment, and our government will continue to take action to eliminate all forms of misconduct.”
According to a report by Global News at the time, after the Navy’s investigation into alleged sexual comments during the Zoom call ended, Sajjan ordered a review of the process in March, but did not talk to all relevant personnel.
He said he had “concerns” and did not rule out ordering a new investigation, but Minden did not say whether this was still an option, or whether the minister agreed with the review decision that such complaints should be investigated within the military command system.
Advocates of cultural change in the military have repeatedly warned that the command system is motivated to sweep allegations out, especially when it comes to senior members.
The Canadian military is currently in liquidation. Experts believe this is an institutional “crisis” due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against senior leaders in the past eight months.
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