An Act to amend the National Defence Act and other Acts
Bill C-66 (Military Justice System Modernization Act) was the federal government's legislative response to the May 2022 Independent External Comprehensive Review by retired Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour into sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. Arbour delivered 48 recommendations including the permanent transfer of CAF sexual-assault prosecutions to civilian courts. Bill C-66 implemented several Arbour recommendations: transferred Criminal Code sexual offences from the Code of Service Discipline to civilian courts, created a new Provost Marshal role independent of the chain of command, and established an external Chief of Defence Staff appointment review process. Royal assent on June 20, 2024 (S.C. 2024, c. 11).
Status
Quick learn
Moves sexual-offence prosecutions in the Canadian Armed Forces from military courts to civilian courts. Implements the central recommendation of Justice Louise Arbour's 2022 report on sexual misconduct in the CAF. Granted royal assent.
Issues this bill touches
- Veterans & Military Families
National Defence Act and other Acts amendments.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
View source
Sponsored by
Bill BlairLIBERALOfficial source
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