Madam Speaker, eliminating all forms of misconduct and abuse of power and creating a safe work environment for everyone in the defence team have always been our top priority. We know that any organization, including the Canadian Armed Forces, must work hard to eliminate the toxic masculinity that creates an unacceptable culture. Fundamentally, harassment of any kind is morally wrong and counter to the principles that guide our military and their civilian colleagues.
When, despite our efforts to prevent it, sexual misconduct occurs, those responsible must be held accountable regardless of rank or position. When allegations of misconduct are raised, they must be directed to the appropriate authorities so they can be investigated fairly, independently and with respect for the rule of law and the rights of all involved.
Since forming government, we have worked hard to eliminate sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. It is clear, though, that the measures we have implemented have not gone far enough and have not moved fast enough. We have seen with the recent allegations against the Canadian Armed Forces most senior leadership that there is still much room to improve.
That is why budget 2021 commits over $236 million to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the Canadian Armed Forces, including expanding the reach of the sexual misconduct response centre, creating a new oversight mechanism and providing online and in-person peer-to-peer support.
In the interest of obtaining fair outcomes, we are also committed to protecting the integrity of investigations. This includes ensuring that there is no suggestion or perception of inappropriate or political influence on these investigations or their results.
Regarding specifically the allegation against General Vance, on March 1, 2018, the Minister of National Defence had a meeting with the CAF ombudsman. As this meeting was coming to a close, the ombudsman raised the issue of an informal allegation against General Vance. So as not to have any political involvement in a potential investigation, the minister would not accept details. Instead, he directed the ombudsman to share the allegation with the appropriate authorities, including the CFNIS.
The minister, on his end, immediately shared this matter with the Privy Council Office, which is directly responsible for Governor in Council appointments, including the chief of the defence staff. They reached out to the ombudsman the very next day to begin an investigation. The ombudsman, in his own words, had no actionable evidence.
A fair and impartial investigation of allegations of wrongdoing is fundamental to our justice system. It is a vital element of our concept of democracy.
Such investigations must never be or even appear to be tainted by political influence. This is why the minister and, through him, our government handled these allegations by following the proper process.