Leona Alleslev

[National Defence, March 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, to understand what the Prime Minister knew about the cover-up of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Forces, the facts matter. The defence minister knew in March 2018. Janine Sherman, the deputy secretary to cabinet, knew in March 2018. Michael Wernick, then deputy minister to the Prime Minister and Elder Marques, a senior adviser to the Prime Minister, also knew.

Is it the Prime Minister's position that no one made him aware of the allegations of misconduct against General Vance three years ago?

[National Defence, March 10th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, when first asked about General Vance's sexual misconduct, the Prime Minister said he was not aware of any allegations, but at last Friday's press conference, he pivoted from “any allegations” to “specific allegations”. Is the Prime Minister committed to zero tolerance, or only committed to almost, sort of zero tolerance?

Women in uniform and all Canadians deserve to know, what did the Prime Minister know about misconduct allegations against General Vance and when did he know it?

[Employment Insurance Act, March 8th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for a very comprehensive overview of some of the real opportunities and challenges within the current employment insurance system and, of course, the emergency benefits with the CERB that were put in place to address some of those things.

What the member did not touch on in terms of reform of the employment insurance program is contract workers. We saw that there were mechanisms for CERB, but the EI program does not really address contract workers and people who are precariously employed, yet we have certainly found that they are in need of that kind of insurance backstop during the pandemic.

I am wondering if the member could give us any thoughts on how or if that is an aspect that EI should be looking at addressing.

[Employment Insurance Act, March 8th, 2021]

Madam Speaker, my colleague offered some suggestions for improving the EI program.

Can she tell us more about that and explain why this reform is important so that we can better understand what this is about?

[National Defence, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, when faced with serious allegations of sexual misconduct within the top ranks of the Canadian Forces, the Prime Minister and the defence minister failed to act. Now a whistle-blower has been threatened to secure his silence. Senior officers who may themselves be complicit remain in key positions within the chain of command.

Victims and whistle-blowers must be able to come forward without fear of reprisal. How will the defence minister protect victims and ensure that those who may stand accused will not interfere to protect themselves?

[National Defence, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, for three years, the Minister of National Defence ignored serious allegations against the former Canadian Armed Forces general.

Now another senior officer is being accused. A whistle-blower received threats. No action was taken, and the abusive behaviour was allowed to continue.

What will the minister do now to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces are free from harassment?

[National Defence, March 8th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, today is International Women's Day, a day when we celebrate strong women who had the courage to break barriers and inspire the generations that followed them.

Women in our Canadian Armed Forces have the right to proudly serve alongside men as their equals. However, when the Minister of National Defence was informed of serious allegations of sexual misconduct at the highest level, he did not take action. How will he repair the harm he has done?

[National Defence, February 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, General McDonald was the person in charge of eradicating the very behaviour he is accused of. This leaves military members wondering if justice can actually be achieved. A safe and thorough independent investigation is critical, but senior officers who themselves may be complicit remain in key positions within the chain of command.

How will the minister ensure that compromised senior officers are not interfering in these investigations in order to protect themselves?

[National Defence, February 25th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, more explosive allegations of sexual misconduct at the highest levels of the armed forces were revealed today. This time, the highest-ranking officer stepped down for the duration of the inquiry. This is all happening on that minister's watch.

Is the Minister of Defence aware of any more allegations or cases of abuse of power, sexual misconduct or other inappropriate behaviour by high-ranking officers?

[National Defence, February 24th, 2021]

Mr. Speaker, jarring testimony levelled abuse of authority and sexual misconduct allegations against Canada's former top soldier and other senior officers. More officers were implicated as complicit through their silence.

The defence minister had a duty to investigate and suspend General Vance, but he did nothing. Men and women in uniform have lost confidence that the minister will bring senior officers to justice.

How will the Prime Minister regain the trust of the members of our military when they do not trust the defence minister who failed to protect them?