Canada’s military may start dismissing members for a single instance of unwanted sexual touching, aligning with evolving civilian workplace laws and court trends.
Minister Pushes for Stricter Military Discipline
Canada’s defence leadership is rethinking how the military handles cases of sexual misconduct. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is preparing to launch advisory panels this fall that could recommend dismissal—even for a first offence of unwanted sexual touching. This push comes amid growing public pressure and evolving legal standards.
Civilian Court Trends Prompt Military Reform
Defence Minister David McGuinty supports the move, citing a decade-long trend in Canadian civilian courts where judges consistently back terminating employees for even one instance of non-consensual sexual touching in the workplace. The message: any level of unwanted sexual contact at work is grounds for dismissal.
External monitor Jocelyne Therrien, appointed to track the military’s progress on sexual misconduct reforms, emphasized this shift in her latest report. “Gone are the days where warnings or transfers are acceptable responses,” she wrote, adding that modern workplaces must prioritize victim safety and accountability.
Historical Patterns Under Scrutiny
Victims and experts have long criticized the military for lenient handling of such cases. Historically, personnel involved in sexual misconduct were often moved to different units or given minimal disciplinary action. That practice, Therrien said, is no longer viable and may put others at risk.
A 2022 landmark report by retired Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour urged systemic change in military culture after several high-profile sexual misconduct scandals. Therrien now estimates that the CAF is on track to meet the spirit of those recommendations by the end of 2025, despite ongoing challenges like scattered misconduct records across databases.
Calls for a One-Strike Policy
Experts say the time for half-measures is over. Simon Fraser University professor Megan MacKenzie, who specializes in military culture, called for a one-strike dismissal policy for unwanted sexual touching. “There’s no ambiguity anymore—sexual touching at work is assault,” she said. “Shuffling offenders around isn’t a solution.”
The CAF is reportedly considering introducing a “scale of severity” to determine consequences for misconduct cases. It may also create a probationary period for new recruits to help identify red flags early.
Victims Demand Action, Not Warnings
Former master corporal Sherry Bordage, who left the military after being groped by a superior, said swift dismissal policies would have made a difference in her case. “Why allow predators to remain in the ranks?” she asked. “Had this policy been in place during my time, it would have changed everything.”
In her case, the accused superior pleaded guilty to a lesser offence and continued serving after receiving a fine and reprimand—an outcome she believes undermines trust and safety within the forces.
The upcoming CAF panels will include legal and sexual misconduct experts and are expected to establish a clear precedent on accountability. The Defence Minister’s office stated that McGuinty is looking for “real results” from these panels and believes the evolving legal standards must be reflected in military conduct.
As Canada’s workplace laws grow increasingly strict on harassment and misconduct, the military’s longstanding disciplinary traditions are under pressure to change—swiftly and decisively.
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