Madam Speaker, I would like start by thanking the member for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound for his military service. He knows, and I believe Canadians know, that our government has always said that we do not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, inappropriate behaviour or abuse of power. We want it reported, we want it investigated and we want to support those who are affected by it, but more than anything we want to make sure it stops and does not happen in the first place.
No one is above the law, no matter their rank or position. No one should ever interfere with the independence of any investigation. This is essential to achieving just outcomes and it is essential to the integrity of the justice system. Allegations have always been referred to the appropriate authorities. That is what the minister and this government have always done. This is why we are taking additional steps, as the hon. member mentioned, to ensure that every CAF member feels safe coming forward and has confidence that misconduct and harassment will always be fully investigated.
We recognize the importance of following all appropriate processes when looking into such matters. That is why our government is committed to taking further action to strengthen accountability mechanisms, promote culture change in the military and end the culture of toxic masculinity, as well as to provide a safe space for survivors to report misconduct and access the services they need, including the recent announcements of peer-to-peer support and enhancing the SMRC. We are doing this by listening to the solutions and recommendations of survivors and those with lived experience.
I, personally, have been very moved by the testimonies we have heard from survivors and those who were impacted, including the one my hon. colleague mentioned. I can tell members that these stories of mostly female, but also male, survivors who have so courageously come forward are making me, the minister and our government even more determined. We have got to get this right, and that means listening to the people who are impacted and not creating programs that might have unintended consequences, as we have done in the past.
Through budget 2021, we are committing $236 million to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based violence in the Canadian Armed Forces. I believe this is going to make a difference. This will expand the reach of the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, allow for more research and provide online, in-person, peer-to-peer and other supports that the survivors have been asking for.
We are putting the needs of survivors first, since they are at the centre of these cases. Any action that is taken must prioritize and align with their needs and wishes. The reporting process can be a significant source of stress for survivors. That is why there are options for support without triggering a formal investigation. One example is the sexual misconduct response centre.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices to protect Canadians and, regardless of rank or gender, they have the undeniable right to serve safely.