Results of Military Board of Inquiry into treatment of sexual assault victims released

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports that a military inquiry has determined there was a failure of "basic leadership" in how the army handled a high-profile case of alleged sexual assault and harassment. The military Board of Inquiry (BOI), released Tuesday, made 25 recommendations for change.

The BOI —  which was ordered in early 2015 by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Tom Lawson — examined the military's response to then Corporal Stéphanie Raymond's complaints of  sexual harassment and formal grievances.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the current CDS, General Jonathan Vance, said he accepted the BOI's recommendations. He said the BOI report acknowledged "the failure to apply basic leadership principles in administering ... Raymond's harassment complaint, including a lack of communication with her throughout the process and the absence of followup to ensure her well-being."

General Vance went on to say "many of the recommendations found in the BOI report have already been implemented" as a part of the Forces' "commitment to eliminating harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour."

"I have ordered the vice-chief of the defence staff, the commander Canadian army and the commander of military personnel command to implement the recommendations as soon as possible."