21.76°C Vancouver

Dec 13, 2021 9:26 PM - The Canadian Press

Defence minister apologizes to sexual misconduct victims, says Ottawa has long failed to protect those who signed up to protect the country

Share On

Defence Minister Anita Anand says Ottawa has long failed to protect those who signed up to protect the country.

She made a formal apology today to victims of military sexual misconduct on behalf of the federal government, and also apologized the government didn't put the right systems in place to ensure justice and accountability for victims.

Her apology, and those made by chief of the defence staff General Wayne Eyre and Defence Department deputy minister Jody Thomas form a key part of the federal government's 600 million dollar settlement in several overlapping class-action lawsuits.

Defence Minister Anita Anand said she apologized to the thousands of Canadians who were harmed because your government did not protect you, nor did we ensure that the right systems were in place to ensure justice and accountability.

The apologies were streamed online.

Latest news

u-s-tourist-in-critical-condition-after-cyclist-strikes-couple-in-downtown-vancouver-crosswalk
BCJul 08, 2026

U.S. tourist dies after cyclist collision at downtown Vancouver crosswalk

A 72-year-old man from the United States has died after being struck by a cyclist while crossing a downtown Vancouver street, according to the Vancouver Police Department. Police said the collision happened on June 29 at the intersection of West Cordova and Richards streets. Investigators said the man and his wife were crossing in a marked crosswalk and had the right of way when they were hit by a cyclist. The man was taken to hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery following the crash. Police confirmed he died in hospital on Sunday. His wife suffered minor injuries and
CanadaJul 08, 2026

WSO welcomes Operation Hard Ball arrests, says questions remain about alleged role of Indian authorities

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has welcomed Operation Hard Ball, a joint law enforcement initiative by authorities in the United States, Canada and Europe targeting the Lawrence Bishnoi network and other India-based organized crime groups. In a statement, WSO President Danish Singh said the arrests made through the operation represent an important step but argued that questions remain about how Lawrence Bishnoi was allegedly able to operate an international criminal network while in custody in India. Singh also called for scrutiny of whether any Indian officials played a role in f
AlbertaJul 08, 2026

Edmonton city councillor's son among 28 arrested in international child sexual abuse material investigation

Rocco Caterina, the son of former Edmonton city councillor Tony Caterina, has been charged following an international investigation into online child sexual abuse material. According to investigators, the 40-year-old was arrested on May 27 at his home in Stony Plain, Alta. He is charged with accessing and possessing child sexual abuse material. The allegations have not been proven in court. Authorities said the arrest was part of an international operation led by the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service. The investigation resulted in 28 arrests across 14 countries. Investigators a
punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann-urges-voters-to-complete-special-intensive-revision-process
IndiaJul 08, 2026

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann urges voters to complete Special Intensive Revision process

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged eligible voters across the state to participate in the Election Commission of India's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and complete the required forms to ensure their names remain on the voter list. In a video message issued from Bengaluru, Mann said the Election Commission's voter list revision exercise is underway and appealed to residents to verify their details by submitting the prescribed forms. According to the chief minister, the process is intended to keep electoral rolls updated. Mann also claimed that individual
WorldJul 08, 2026

NATO leaders announce €70B in military aid for Ukraine as summit concludes

NATO member countries have pledged €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine following the conclusion of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara, according to a joint declaration issued after the meeting. The alliance said it will increase investment to strengthen the deployment, operation and long-term readiness of its armed forces. The declaration states that NATO plans to expand capabilities in long-range precision strike weapons, air and missile defence systems, drones, advanced technologies and intelligence operations. Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United State

Related News