Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would add to General Millar's comments about what's necessary. Both women and men who are sexually assaulted have to have confidence that they will be taken seriously, that they won't be re-victimized or their careers jeopardized, and that the perpetrator will be dealt with properly as well. For them to be able to come forward it's not simply a matter of the stigma, but the question of what happens when you they come forward.
I want to acknowledge, by the way, and thank and recognize the work of Noémi Mercier and Alec Castonguay from L'actualité' for the work they've done in presenting this information to the public. I hope that it will lead to further work by both the military and this committee in trying to address this problem within the military.
I would like, sir, at this time to move the motion for which notice has been given:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on National Defence undertake a study of sexual assault and harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces as soon as possible, and that the Committee report its findings to the House.
I would like to speak to that motion.