“I don't want to talk about this bill anymore. Talking takes time. Lets vote now so we don't have to talk.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Military Justice System Modernization Act
A bill to modernize Canada's military justice system, responding to recommendations from third-party reports. The changes include removing military jurisdiction over sexual assault cases committed in Canada, expanding eligibility to be a military judge, and affirming the independence of military justice authorities. During debate, the Liberals used closure to limit discussion. The Conservatives accused them of rushing the bill and not allowing enough time for debate and input from stakeholders like veterans. The Liberals argued they had followed due process, with the bill going through extensive consultations and committee review, and that further amendments from the opposition had been ruled out of order. Both sides traded accusations of the other not supporting military members and veterans.
“I want you to know that the Conservatives did nothing about this issue for 10 years. Our government is delivering culture change because it's the right thing to do. We introduced Bill C-11 to rebuild victims' and survivors' trust in the Canadian Armed Forces. The changes in the bill are based on recommendations from the Supreme Court.”
“The opposition's ideas were rejected. We're moving ahead with our plan. Don't question our motives; this is for the military. We'll make focused changes to the military justice system.”
“I'm just filling space. There's no real answer here. We didn't act until a scandal, but now we're introducing a bill and hope it looks like progress.”
“I'm filling time by summarizing the bill again and saying it will do good things. I'm talking about the good things to make the government look good.”
“The government talked to lots of people. We know best. There's a trust problem because the military is handling sex cases wrong.”
“It's simple. The judge talked to lots of people. The bill moves cases from military courts to civilian courts. We need to pass this. Some people will never be happy.”
“Justice Arbour recommends moving military sexual misconduct cases to civilian courts. I want to make that happen. This will help victims and members of the military.”
“I'm filling time with kind words about the military. I want the Conservatives to look bad for voting against military spending. I think this bill should pass because it would make the military justice system better.”
“I want the military to trust us. We already send criminal investigations outside. It has been like that since 2021. I think it is good and I want to keep it that way.”
“You say the justice system needs judges. I say we already signed an agreement with Ontario. We're talking to other provinces. It's complex. We're working on it.”
“I want to defend the military justice system changes. The member is leaving out that all cases are already sent to civilian courts. We have made progress and changes since 2021. We implemented most of Justice Arbour's recommendations. Blocking this would undo progress. I trust the justices and defence staff.”
“You're complaining about the amendments we removed. The Speaker already ruled them out of order. And we're making progress! We've implemented almost all of Justice Arbour's recommendations. This bill will make big changes: military sexual assault cases will transfer to civilian courts. It follows Justice Fish's recommendations to improve military justice. We need to pass this bill now.”
“I'm filling time with kind words about our record. I'll say we spend lots on the military. Many Canadians want to join. But those bad Conservatives want to debate this bill and run out the clock. I won't let them! This bill must pass now. It will make people trust the military again.”
“I want to spend more on the military. I want to change how they handle justice. I think this will make the military better.”
“No. The Prime Minister said we would spend a lot of money very fast. He kept his word. He spent a lot of money very fast. You didn't vote for it.”
“We must change the military. I want you to vote for my bill. It will fix everything.”
“I'm David McGuinty. Justice Arbour says victims shouldn't choose between military and civilian courts. We should listen to her. It's too much stress for victims to choose. The military option isn't as good. Victims need clarity and certainty. I want to support them.”
“I'm the defence minister. I'll repeat my talking point again, now in French. Victims should have clarity and trust. Choosing between military or civilian court is a 'false choice.' It puts a burden on them. It's unequal and could have command interference. They shouldn't have to pick when they're stressed and traumatized.”
“I don't like the member's tone. He should remember the chief spoke to a lot of people before. He shouldn't question us. This bill will make things better.”