Statement from Heather McPherson, NDP Defence Critic, on the introduction of the government’s new bill reforming the military justice system.

Edmonton - For many years, New Democrats have called for legislation to amend the military justice system and address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. These were crucial recommendations from Justice Louise Arbour’s Independent External Comprehensive Review. Without making necessary changes, victims of sexual assault in the military will continue to face a confusing criminal justice system.

In the last Parliament, NDP Defence Critic MP Lindsay Mathyssen brought forward two Private Members’ Bills – Bill C-362 and Bill C-363. Bill C-362 would have established an independent Office of the Ombud that would report to Parliament rather than the Minster of National Defence, while Bill C-363 would have amended the National Defence Act to remove the military's jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute sexual offences under the criminal code.

People who serve in the military deserve support and justice and have waited far too long for change. New Democrats stand with the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to wait for real culture change in the face of sexual misconduct and assault in the military.

New Democrats will continue to push the Liberal government to ensure its new legislation actually achieves real change and justice for survivors.