Federal government moves to strip military of power to investigate sexual offences

The federal government has introduced long-awaited legislation to strip military police and the military justice system of the power to investigate and prosecute sexual offences on Canadian soil.

The bill, tabled in the House of Commons on Thursday, also proposes changes to the way military judges, the Canadian Forces provost marshal, the director of military prosecutions and the director of defence counsel services are appointed.

Defence Minister Bill Blair said Thursday that, since he was appointed to the portfolio last summer, he's worked to modernize the military in line with recommendations made in two landmark reviews.

In his remarks at a press conference, he spoke directly to members of the Armed Forces who are survivors of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.

«I want you to know that we have heard you,» Blair said. «We have heard that you want to serve Canada in a respectful, supportive and safe environment. And I want to assure all who serve, or may wish to serve, [that] we will do what is required to keep you safe.»

Handing jurisdiction over investigating and prosecuting sexual offences to the civilian justice system has been the subject of intense negotiations between the federal government and the provinces, senior defence officials said on background after the legislation was tabled.

Civilian control of those cases was the core recommendation of an independent, external review conducted by former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, who was tasked by the federal government with studying the sexual misconduct scandal that has rocked the military.

The legislation says that sexual misconduct cases arising where troops are deployed outside of Canada can still be investigated by military police. Arbour's report did not