OTTAWA — A military board investigation into the handling of a high-profile sexual misconduct case is complete, but still under review by the commander of the Canadian Army more than a year after it was ordered at National Defence.
The board was convened by the country's former top military commander, retired general Tom Lawson, on Jan. 28, 2015, to demonstrate the Canadian Armed Forces take the issue of sexual assault and abuse seriously.
It was ordered alongside an investigation by retired Supreme Court justice Marie Deschamps, who concluded last spring that bad behaviour was "endemic" in the military — an institution steeped in a macho culture that leaves women fearful to report abuse.
The inquiry examined how the military responded to the allegations and grievances of former master corporal Stephanie Raymond, who alleged she was raped by a superior and then driven out of the army for reporting it.
A defence spokesman said the inquiry report is being examined by Lt.-Gen. Marquis Haines, the commander of the army, and will need to be signed off by Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of the defence staff.
Toronto lawyer Emma Phillips, who was counsel to the Deschamps review, says Vance has made important strides to combat abuse and sexual misconduct, but they could be undermined if the military is seen to be foot-dragging on its own internal inquiry.
