Madam Speaker, there can be no perception of political interference in any investigation, particularly in a case as sensitive as one related to allegations of sexual misconduct at the highest levels of our military. It would undermine the integrity of the investigation and put a just outcome at risk. It would mean no justice for a victim and no accountability for a perpetrator. This, in turn, could discourage other affected persons from coming forward. This is why it is imperative that investigations be carried out fairly and independently by the appropriate authorities.
That is why we are working on devising even stronger and more independent mechanisms for reporting misconduct and investigations of such allegations in the Canadian Armed Forces.
We are committed to eliminating the culture of toxic masculinity from the Canadian Armed Forces.