Investigation of military sexual misconduct critical in preventing power imbalance

There has been a great deal of media coverage — both national and global — regarding the sexual misconduct allegations made against members of our military’s top brass.

In the course of unpacking these allegations, it was discovered that they were first brought to light three years ago but were ultimately buried, allowing the alleged perpetrators to continue on in their role with impunity.

This lapse was the subject of a parliamentary committee hearing that was convened to uncover, and ostensibly remediate, the blind spots and systemic failures that allowed these allegations to sit unchecked.

Last week, our federal government — with the support of the Bloq Quebecois — shut down this parliamentary hearing before it was concluded and, importantly, before all of the witnesses were heard.

The government has defended its decision by arguing that it has heard all that it needed to hear and that the urgency of the situation cried out for a report to be generated sooner rather than later.

Clear chain of command needed

Occupational health and safety legislation has been carefully crafted to ensure that employers have transparent policies that prevent and address harassment in the workplace, including a clear chain of command for complaint escalation.

It is critical — both to fulsomely investigate complaints and create a safe space for the complaints to be brought forward in the first place — that we know where the buck stops.

If the federal government is not going to lead by example, it is incumbent on us to raise our voices in dissent and ensure that the individuals who make the rules are also following them.

If you have been harassed in the workplace, you have rights and legal avenues to enforce those rights.

Please reach out to our firm if you are in such a situation or just need more information regarding how you can navigate what might otherwise feel like an unnavigable situation.

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• Harassment allegations in the Canadian Armed Forces and employee rights
• Workplace harassment and discrimination