“I am speaking to a bill about military justice. It is very important. We need big changes to the system. Abuse and misconduct are a big problem. The bill will give more power to civilian courts. This will help make the process more independent. We need to make sure victims feel safe. This bill will help with that. It is an important step forward.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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A bill to modernize the military justice system, including changes to appointments, removing jurisdiction for sexual offences, and expanding the class of persons eligible to be military judges. During debate, the Conservatives argued the bill doesn't go far enough, the Liberals defended it as an important step, and both sides discussed the importance of believing and empowering victims. Some time was spent on tangents about the House majority and military funding.
“The libs are ignoring experts. The bill won't fix things. Most cases won't even go to civilian court. The courts can't handle it. What's the plan? Are you just going to let predators off?”
“You might not agree with me. That's okay. I think military shouldn't handle these cases. It could hurt the victim's career. I want victims to feel safe reporting. We're open to suggestions. We just don't see it the same way you do.”
“You say you want to protect victims. I agree with that intention. We all voted to study the bill. I think civilian courts know what they're doing. They might even sometimes decide a military court is better. Our amendment allowed that. Your Motion No. 5 takes that option away.”
“You're wrong. We don't want to remove that possibility. Civilian courts can handle this. We want to work with everyone to let people complain.”
“These are important changes. We've implemented 36 of the 48 recommendations. We need to pass this bill to respect the work that went into it. Why was it important to follow through on the report?”
“I want to agree with my friend. We are responsible and fair. We followed Justice Arbour's recommendations to make sure everyone feels equal.”
“I want to make it very simple. We should say”
“I don't want to punt responsibility. The government brought in a report to look good. The opposition should read it.”
“I'm disgusted by Liberals lecturing me about harassment when their own ministers have been found guilty of it. And don't try to impress me by quoting some international law expert, I can quote a different expert right back at you.”
“You rejected our amendments to this military bill. Was it because you didn't want to upset the military brass? We wanted an inspector general just for sexual misconduct and judges who could be veterans or leave the military.”
“I'm thanking other parties for helping us change this bill in committee. The NDP used to help but now they joined the Liberals. Our party agrees on most of the changes.”
“I want more voters to hear you repeat your best line again.”
“I want my party to look like we care more than the government. I say it's the government's fault victims don't hear 'I believe you'.”
“I'm filling time with tangents about a song and the Liberal majority because we actually agree on this bill. I think it's a shame that victims won't get more choice, but my party looks good if we drag this out.”
“I want to pressure you to say whether you support this bill. We are debating an important change in how we handle serious crimes.”
“That's not a complete answer. I want victims to pick what they think is fastest. The other system is slow right now. You brought up a report writer's name a lot.”
“I want Arbour to come to committee and answer questions. It bothers me that she didn't.”
“The government is arrogant. It reversed amendments that the committee passed. It didn't have a majority then, but now it does. Now it's forcing its changes through without even letting us talk. That's outrageous!”
“I agree with you. The Liberals care more about politics than helping victims or respecting justice. That's terrible.”