Minister apologizes to victims of military sexual misconduct, says Ottawa failed them
CTV
Defence Minister Anita Anand is apologizing to victims of military sexual misconduct today on behalf of the federal government, saying Ottawa has long failed to protect those who willingly signed up to protect Canada.
"I apologize to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that the right systems were in place to ensure justice and accountability," she said during the apology, which was streamed online.
"For far too long, your government failed to dedicate enough time, money, personnel and effort to deal with sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination based on sex, gender identity and sexual orientation in the military and the department."
Anand's address was one of three delivered to those affected by military sexual misconduct, with defence chief Gen. Wayne Eyre and Jody Thomas, the deputy minister at the Defence Department, also offering apologies on behalf of their respective institutions.
The apologies form a key part of the federal government's $600-million settlement agreement in relation to several overlapping class-action lawsuits.
