Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney promised to address external recommendations aimed at combating sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The promise emphasized that sexual misconduct has no place in the CAF and that members deserve a safe workplace, aligning with broader efforts to implement reforms based on independent reviews, such as the 2022 Arbour Report by former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour. This report included 48 recommendations to reform the military's culture, handling of complaints, and support for victims.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in early 2025, the Carney government has continued and expanded initiatives to address these recommendations. In May 2025, the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) expanded its services to include independent legal assistance at no cost for individuals aged 18 and older affected by sexual misconduct in a Department of National Defence (DND) or CAF context. This move directly responds to recommendations for better victim support and independent oversight.

More recently, on September 4, 2025, the SMSRC opened a call for applications for the Community Support for Sexual Misconduct Survivors Grant Program, aimed at improving access to support services for those affected within the defence community. This initiative builds on ongoing cultural reforms and seeks to fund community-based programs, further addressing the need for comprehensive support systems as outlined in external reviews.

The government has also maintained momentum from pre-2025 efforts, such as updating the formal definition of sexual misconduct in 2024 in response to the Arbour Report, replacing the term "sexual misconduct" with three new terms to clarify and improve handling of cases. While this update predates Carney's tenure, his administration has not reversed it and has instead advanced related policies.

Legislation and Policy Changes

No new standalone legislation specifically targeting military sexual misconduct has been proposed or passed under the Carney government as of September 5, 2025. However, policy updates within the DND and CAF have been implemented, including the abandonment of the broad "duty to report" policy in 2023, which was adjusted to reduce barriers for victims. The Carney administration has focused on administrative and programmatic changes rather than new laws, such as the aforementioned expansions to the SMSRC.

In broader defence reforms announced in June 2025, Prime Minister Carney emphasized rebuilding the CAF, including cultural improvements, though these announcements primarily highlighted pay raises and investments rather than misconduct-specific legislation. Critics note that while no new bills have been introduced, the government's actions align with implementing Arbour's recommendations through departmental directives and funding.

Progress on Specific Outcomes

The promise's core outcome—that sexual misconduct has no place in the CAF and that members must have a safe workplace—has seen advancements but remains ongoing. Statistics Canada reported a significant increase in sexual misconduct in 2023, highlighting persistent issues, but 2025 initiatives like legal assistance and grants indicate active efforts to create safer environments. Full cultural change, as noted in earlier military statements, could take up to five years, suggesting that while steps are being taken, complete eradication of misconduct is not yet achieved.

To move this promise from in progress to kept, the government would need to fully implement all remaining Arbour Report recommendations, demonstrate measurable reductions in misconduct incidents through independent audits, and potentially pass supportive legislation to enshrine reforms. If no further actions are taken by the end of Carney's term, or if reports show rising misconduct without intervention, the promise could be at risk of being broken or deemed broken.

Challenges and Criticisms

Challenges include recruitment difficulties and low enlistment willingness among young Canadians, as per a July 2025 Angus Reid poll, which could indirectly affect cultural reforms. Critics argue that while support services have expanded, deeper systemic changes, such as independent prosecution of cases outside the military chain of command, are still pending full implementation. The government's focus on defence spending and NATO commitments in 2025 announcements has sometimes overshadowed misconduct-specific reforms.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.