OPERATION HONOUR: INSTITUTIONALIZED CULTURE CHANGE In March 2015, Justice Marie Deschamps released the findings of her external review of Canadian Armed Forces policies, procedures, and programs in relation to sexual harassment and sexual assault, including the effectiveness with which these policies are currently being implemented. Her report included 10 recommendations to drive a culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces and address the situation. These recommendations were accepted in full by the Chief of the Defence Staff and their implementation has been institutionalized across the Defence team under Operation HONOUR. Operation HONOUR is the Canadian Armed Forces mission to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the Canadian military that is based on the principles that: • every woman and man who serves their country deserves to be treated with dignity and respect – anything less is simply unacceptable; and • any attitudes or behaviours that undermine the camaraderie, cohesion and confidence of serving members threatens the Canadian Armed Forces’ long-term operational success. Operation HONOUR seeks to effect a positive institutional culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces through four lines of effort: • understanding the issue of harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour; • responding more decisively to incidents; • supporting victims more effectively; and • preventing incidents from occurring. NEW INITIATIVES To eliminate harmful behaviours and ensure a work environment free from harassment and discrimination, the Defence team will: 18. Complete the full implementation of the 10 recommendations of the Deschamps Report through Operation HONOUR. 19. Provide a full range of victim and survivor support services to Canadian Armed Forces members. 20. Deal with harassment complaints in a clear and timely manner by simplifying formal harassment complaint procedures. 21. Be open and transparent with Canadians and members of the Canadian Armed Forces in communicating progress on this important issue. SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES Military families are the strength behind the uniform. Family members of Canadian Armed Forces personnel share in the stresses and strains resulting from deployments of their loved ones into dangerous operational duty, and the prolonged separations they entail. They also make important sacrifices and face challenges associated with frequent relocation such as finding new family health care providers, re-establishing childcare, moving children between schools and education systems, professional licensing, and dealing with inconveniences such as changing drivers’ and vehicles licences when moving between provinces. They must also deal with the financial instability resulting from frequent moves, whether it be the loss of employment, different tax systems or changes to post-living differentials. Families are the major source of support and strength to Canadian Armed Forces members and integral to our military success. Military families make an incredible contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Forces and must have access to the support and services they deserve, to cope with the unique challenges and stresses of military family life. The implementation of a Comprehensive Military Family Plan will go a long way to minimizing the disruptions associated with frequent relocation. The Canadian Armed Forces is committed to enhancing the support we provide to the families of military members, including through the front-line service provided by Military Family Resource Centres. 28