Discussion · Government Orders
David McGuinty Liberal
“I want this bill to pass. It ensures sexual crimes in the military are investigated and tried only in regular civilian courts, not military courts. This will help victims and rebuild trust.”
“Mr. Speaker, after a year-long review of DND and CAF, Justice Arbour said this: “the handling of sexual misconduct by military justice has eroded trust and morale” among the organization. She recommended in recommendation five that the civilian system be given exclusive jurisdiction. We agree. Bill C-11 would address her recommendation five, that Criminal Code sexual offences alleged against CAF members in Canada should be investigated and prosecuted exclusively in the civilian system. Military justice experts tell us this would provide greater legal clarity, greater legal certainty, to all actors in the justice system and would better serve victims and survivors. My colleague is right. We have to get this done on behalf of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Mr. Speaker, after a year-long review of DND and CAF, Justice Arbour said this: “the handling of sexual misconduct by military justice has eroded trust and morale” among the organization. She recommended in recommendation five that the civilian system be given exclusive jurisdiction. We agree. Bill C-11 would address her recommendation five, that Criminal Code sexual offences alleged against CAF members in Canada should be investigated and prosecuted exclusively in the civilian system. Military justice experts tell us this would provide greater legal clarity, greater legal certainty, to all actors in the justice system and would better serve victims and survivors. My colleague is right. We have to get this done on behalf of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces.