Thank you, sir. I am very pleased to hear that news. I know the individuals, who have been campaigning for this for some time and receiving to date, frankly, not very positive responses from the military and DND when seeking assistance, will be very delighted to know that this has moved to this step. We look forward to a full investigation by your office and we would be happy to cooperate in any way we can, but I think that's extremely good news and I'm delighted that you could present it to us today.
Sir, one of the issues raised by Ms. Gallant is also one that's at top of mind as a result of recent newspaper and magazine articles from L'actualité and Maclean's regarding sexual assault in the military, and some surprising reports as to the possible extent of the sexual assault. They also kind of alluded to what appears to be the revictimization of those who have been victims of sexual assault. It came as a shock, I think, to most to see some of the facts there. Whether they are all proven through full investigation is probably a matter for another time.
First off, what I see from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the minister is an announcement of an external independent review of, and here's the quote, “workplace policies and procedures”. I'm wondering, sir, whether you think it's adequate to simply look at policies and procedures, or whether or not there ought to be a significant investigative role or particular review to find out.... As an ombudsman, you look at it on a case-by-case basis, but if we have a systemic problem, which appears to be the case, ought there not be an in-depth review of the individual cases that make up...helping to define what the problem is before changes can be made? Would that be a role that your office could play?