Ottawa, Ontario – MP Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) marked the occasion of International Women’s Day by seeking assurances from the federal government that the women, who serve in the Canadian Forces, feel safe and heard.
Cheryl Gallant, MP: Mr. Speaker, In March of 2018 the Military Ombudsman meet with the Defence Minister to confidentially advise him of an allegation made against the head of the Canadian Military. The Minister refused to look at the evidence and the meeting ended. The next day the Prime Minister’s Department asked the Ombudsman to divulge the details of the case. He refused to break his word and tendered his resignation. Three years later the matter became public yet the minister feigned surprise. Who was the minister trying to protect, himself or the Prime Minister?
Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan: Mr. Speaker, No elected official should ever be part of an investigation, and that is why I immediately informed PCO, who’s in charge of Governor in Council appointments to take up this matter, and they immediately contacted the Ombudsman whose job it is to investigate allegations Mister Speaker, and I look forward to going to committee to testify there once again. Thank you.