Global Courant 2023-05-11 22:29:56
The commander responsible for reforming the culture of Canada’s armed forces says military leaders are considering limiting alcohol consumption during holiday events.
Lieutenant-Gen. Jennie Carignan said Thursday that police are now tracking the link between drinking and misconduct and identified a “spike” in cases of sexual misconduct in “the December time frame.”
Carignan said information “has prompted military leaders” to consider “preventative measures” during holiday periods when “we have more events where people gather.”
“For example, there will come a time when alcohol can be served. People would be asked to drink less, to have one drink,” said Carignan.
“So leaders take this into account when designing their events and social events.”
Carignan, the Army’s chief of professionalism and conduct, is on a five-year campaign to combat sexual misconduct by overhauling the culture of the Canadian Forces.
Her campaign began two years ago amid a sexual misconduct crisis that simultaneously plunged an unprecedented number of senior leaders into scandal.
As of 2021, more than a dozen current and former senior Canadian military officers have been sidelined, investigated or forced to retire from some of the most powerful and prestigious posts in the defense establishment.
Most of the misconduct happens outside the base: Carignan
CBC News asked Carignan if the military has an alcohol problem. She said the Canadian Forces are “assessing” the data.
She said the data so far shows that most incidents of military sexual misconduct occur off base when those involved are not participating in military operations.
“We are learning that there are peaks at certain times of the year, which is now prompting our leaders to take the necessary steps to avoid this,” said Carignan.
Lieutenant General Jennie Carignan, head of professionalism and conduct in the Canadian Forces, said the military saw a spike in sexual misconduct cases in the month of December. (CBC News)
When asked if the military is considering going dry or imposing an army-wide ban on alcohol at all military events, Carignan said, “We have those conversations on a regular basis, of course.” She has not committed to introducing a ban of any kind.
In 2014, then Vice Admiral Mark Norman announced a ban on alcohol consumption on board naval vessels after three incidents of misconduct — except on special occasions or when ships are docked.
More to come …
