Canada’s top soldier on Monday made good on a vow to try to eliminate sexual misconduct in the Canadian military.
The chief of defence staff, General Jonathan Vance, issued an order that prohibits inappropriate jokes of a sexual nature, racy photos and unwelcome advances.
It also targets behaviours that “perpetuate stereotypes and modes of thinking that devalue members on the basis of their sex, sexuality or sexual orientation.”
Gen. Vance’s action follows a report last spring by retired Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps.
She found sexual misconduct “endemic” in the military, adding that military leaders tolerated a pervasive macho culture and that women were afraid to report harassment and even assaults.
Gen. Vance’s order tells commanding officers to act quickly when they hear of a complaint and warns that all leaders are accountable for failures that let the current culture continue.
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