Canadian Forces publishes new ethos after sexual misconduct crisis: ‘Credible to serve’ – National

The Canadian Army is ready to announce material changes to the document that outline the core values ​​and expectations for the people the document is training for leadership roles.

That change comes after a year that saw the Leadership of the Canadian Forces fired in what senior leaders have repeatedly called a “crisis” of sexual misconduct.

“We are about to publish a revised military specification called Trusted to serve,” said General Wayne Eyre, chief of staff of defense, during an appearance at the House defense committee on Wednesday.

He said the revisions would focus on emphasizing personality as an important factor to consider when choosing future leaders, along with explicitly stating that inclusivity should also be key. core element.

“Previously we focused on capacity. Still very important but even more so: personality,” says Eyre.

“Character must lead, ability can follow.”

The current military ethos is “duty with honor”, based on document of the same name was first published in 2003 and is referred to by the Department of Defense as the “foundation document” for military professional development programs.

However, that program and process has been in the spotlight since Global News first reported in February 2021 about sexual misconduct allegations against top leaders in the Canadian Forces. .

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Those revelations prompted two congressional committees to probe the matter, as well as launch an independent external review of how best to set up an independent reporting system.

Witnesses repeatedly warn that the key changes proposed in a landmark 2015 report on the “toxic” culture faced by women and LGBTQ members in the military have yet to be seen. perform.

Defense Secretary Anita Anand replaces Harjit Sajjan, who has faced criticism over whether he did enough to address the issue during his time on the portfolio.

Anand made her first appearance at the defense committee on Wednesday and stressed that redressing the Canadian Forces culture remains her top priority.

“For too long, too many members of the defending team have suffered,” Anand said, noting that the army is now at an “inflection point.”

“Things can change, they must change and they will change.”

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Anand and Eyre issued a historic apology to survivors and victims of sexual misconduct in December.

She said work to fix the culture is underway and she looks forward to receiving a report from former Supreme Court justice of Canada Louise Arbor, authorized in April 2021. That final report will done this spring.

Both Anand and Eyre note that the military is facing unprecedented demands for its capabilities, both at home and abroad, and it needs to be able to ramp up recruitment to keep up.

Both recruitment and retention must prioritize engaging women and more diverse members into the leadership system for long-term leadership and culture change, Anand said.

“This is a priority for me,” she added.

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