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CBC
3 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Watchdog says military police still resisting civilian oversight
The military police watchdog says resistance to civilian oversight in the Canadian Forces provost marshal's office "worsened" last year. The Military Police Complaints Commission released a report Tuesday accusing the provost marshal's office or CFPM — which commands all military police in Canada — of "shutting down" complaints based on a "dubious" interpretation of the National Defence Act. In its report, the watchdog said the provost marshal's office has been failing to advise complainants of their right to have their cases reviewed by the complaints commission as required by law, and is routinely refusing to respond to complaints made in interference cases. Interference cases come up when a military police member files a complaint alleging that a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or a senior official in the Department of National Defence has attempted to influence an investigation. "These issues not only persisted but have worsened. In 2024, the [provost marshal] interpreted the National Defence Act in a way that avoids civilian independent oversight. The situation escalated from resistance to outright refusal to respect the oversight regime mandated by Parliament," the report said. It says the provost marshal is "shutting down complaints" and "hindering the civilian oversight of the military police." Tammy Tremblay, Military Police Complaints Commission chair, declined an interview request. Office says recommendations 'considered carefully' Lt.-Cmdr. Melanie Aqiqi, public affairs officer at the provost marshal's office, said that they "acknowledge the criticism" in the watchdog report and remain "fully committed" to the commission's mandate. "The CFPM acknowledges that the interpretation of this legislative framework is at times different than that of the [commission]. Most notably, as it relates to the disclosure of information," Aqiqi said in an emailed response. "All recommendations from the MPCC are considered carefully with a view to determining their merit, practicality and effectiveness to bring positive changes." The report accuses the provost marshal's office of "terminating" complaints without an investigation when a criminal probe is launched. The report said complaints are supposed to be paused pending the completion of a criminal investigation and any judicial proceedings. However, the report said that this year the provost marshal's office began to "simply terminate" some complaints without investigating them. Aqiqi denied this claim. "Regarding ongoing criminal proceedings, this is never used as a tool to avoid complaint investigations. In some instances, a criminal investigation may be a more appropriate manner to address a complaint received under the act," she said. "Should this be the case, the military police require criminal proceedings to be concluded prior to proceeding." Report calls for further reform The report calls for National Defence Act reform to ensure the commission has the ability to access "information necessary to investigate complaints." "Without this legislative reform, there is a risk that the barriers the MPCC faces in exercising its mandate continue to dilute the will of Parliament in establishing an oversight system for the military police," the report said. The report also says that individual members of the military police "respect and understand" the watchdog's mandate and the problem of "refusal of civilian oversight" stems from senior leadership. Aqiqi said that the provost marshal's office remains committed to a "fair, transparent and independent process" to address public complaints.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Watchdog says military police still resisting civilian oversight
Published Jun 17, 2025 • 2 minute read File photo of Canadian Forces. Photo by FILE PHOTO / POSTMEDIA NETWORK OTTAWA — The military police watchdog says resistance to civilian oversight in the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's office 'worsened' last year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Military Police Complaints Commission released a report Tuesday accusing the provost's office — which commands all military police in Canada — of 'shutting down' complaints based on a 'dubious' interpretation of the National Defence Act. In its report, the watchdog said the provost's office has been failing to advise complainants of their right to have their cases reviewed by the complaints commission as required by law, and is routinely refusing to respond to complaints made in interference cases. Interference cases come up when a military police member files a complaint alleging that a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or a senior official in the Department of National Defence has attempted to influence an investigation. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'These issues not only persisted but have worsened. In 2024, the (Canadian Forces Provost Marshal) interpreted the National Defence Act in a way that avoids civilian independent oversight. The situation escalated from resistance to outright refusal to respect the oversight regime mandated by Parliament,' the watchdog's report said. 'This includes shutting down complaints without having the authority based on dubious interpretations of the National Defence Act as detailed in this report. These roadblocks are hindering the civilian oversight of the military police.' Tammy Tremblay, Military Police Complaints Commission chair, declined an interview request. The report calls for law reform to ensure the commission has the ability to access 'information necessary to investigate complaints.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Without this legislative reform, there is a risk that the barriers the MPCC faces in exercising its mandate continue to dilute the will of Parliament in establishing an oversight system for the military police,' the report said. The report also says that individual members of the military police 'respect and understand' the watchdog's mandate and the problem of 'refusal of civilian oversight' stems from senior leadership. Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan took over command of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's office in December, replacing Maj.-Gen. Simon Trudeau, who had held the position for the previous six and a half years. Toronto Maple Leafs Canada NHL Toronto Maple Leafs Music
National Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canadian military personnel to get 20% pay hike: defence minister
Canadian Forces personnel are to receive a 20 per cent salary increase, Defence Minister David McGuinty has confirmed. Article content The move is part of a $9-billion spending increase that will see Canada's defence and security budget climb to an all-time high of $62.7 billion annually by next year. The initiative was announced June 9 by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Article content Carney said the salary increases were well deserved and would contribute to retaining personnel in the ranks as well as attracting new recruits. Article content Article content McGuinty told journalists on June 10 that improvements were also coming in military benefits, housing and health care. 'That's where a lot of the initial investment will be, of course, including a 20-per-cent pay increase,' he said. Article content Article content But when that pay hike will come is still unclear. The Ottawa Citizen asked the Department of National Defence on June 10 for details about the raises and for information on when military personnel would see the extra money on their paycheques. DND did not respond. Article content In addition, there will be increases in training allowances and the introduction of retention bonuses for key military personnel. No further details were provided. Article content At a June 9 technical briefing that followed Carney's spending announcement, government officials noted it was expected that around 1,400 new staff would be hired at DND. More health-care workers will be hired for the Canadian Forces and the civilian workforce will be expanded so military personnel can focus on operations, government officials said at the technical briefing. Under government-imposed rules, the officials who provided the briefing cannot be identified. Article content Article content The Ottawa Citizen asked DND on June 9 for a timeline on when the additional 1,400 staff would be hired. DND did not respond. Article content Article content June Winger, national president of the Union of National Defence Employees, said Wednesday that she had received initial information from DND that more civilian staff would be hired, but no specific details. But Winger noted that the department had faced significant barriers in getting new staff in place because of delays in completing security clearances. Such clearances are taking months and perspective staff, instead of waiting, are instead accepting jobs other than at DND, she said. Article content In January, the Ottawa Citizen reported that military staff were recommending retention bonuses to keep key personnel from leaving the ranks, but there were questions at the time about whether the government would fund such a plan.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
What's that noise? CFB Borden holds controlled explosion operations
Military personnel conduct explosive operations at CFB Borden in Angus, Ont., on Wed., June 11, 2025. Residents may hear loud bangs near Canadian Forces Base Borden this week, but don't worry, it's all part of a planned operation. Military personnel with the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) in Angus will be carrying out controlled explosions on the base Wednesday and Thursday as part of routine disposal work. The detonations are scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on both days. CFB Borden Military personnel conduct explosive operations at CFB Borden in Angus, Ont., on Wed., June 11, 2025. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge) The activity may be heard by residents in nearby communities, but officials stress there is no cause for concern. Strict safety protocols will be in place throughout the operation, and there is no danger to the public or surrounding infrastructure. CFB Borden Military personnel conduct explosive operations at CFB Borden in Angus, Ont., on Wed., June 11, 2025. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge) The controlled detonations are part of the military's effort to safely dispose of outdated, dud or misfired ammunition. CFB Borden is the largest training establishment in the CAF, with roughly 20,000 military personnel trained at the base annually.
National Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Raises, retention bonuses promised for Canadian Forces personnel
Pay increases for military personnel as well as retention bonuses and increased training allowances for particular Canadian Forces members are to be part of the government's spending boost for defence. Article content In addition, it is expected that around 1,400 new staff will be hired at the Department of National Defence. Article content Article content The initiatives were outlined Monday during a technical briefing that followed Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement that defence spending was being significantly increased. The Liberal government noted that it was pumping in more funding so Canada will meet the NATO spending target of two per cent of GDP by the end of this fiscal year. Article content Article content Carney repeated his election promises to purchase new submarines and other equipment as well as improve military housing and benefits. Article content Article content But defence officials at the technical briefing had few answers. Article content They did point out that not only will there be pay increases but in some cases boosts in training allowances and retention bonuses for key military personnel. They did not have information on what specific Canadian Forces jobs or trades would be eligible for bonuses. Article content More health-care workers will be hired for the Canadian Forces and the civilian workforce will be expanded so military personnel can focus on operations, government officials said at the technical briefing. Under government-imposed rules, the officials who provided the briefing cannot be identified. Article content In January, the Ottawa Citizen reported that military staff were recommending retention bonuses to keep key personnel from leaving the ranks. But there were questions at the time about whether the government would fund such a plan. Article content Although the Canadian Forces doesn't currently have retention bonuses, the military does offer various extra pay or allowances for those in particular jobs or handling specific duties, the Department of National Defence has noted. In addition, the military does provide extra payment to recruit individuals with particular skills. Article content Article content Various western militaries, facing personnel shortages, have been using retention bonuses to entice individuals to continue to stay in the ranks. Article content On Nov. 22, 2024, the British government announced bonuses equivalent to $54,000 for aircraft engineers who sign up for an additional three years of military service. Privates and lance corporals who have already served four years would be eligible for a new retention bonus, which is the equivalent of $14,000. Article content An internal U.S. Air Force memo, recently leaked online, noted that 89 key occupations would be eligible for retention bonuses in 2025. Those bonuses range from the equivalent of $260,000 to $520,000. The retention money is aimed at a variety of jobs, including specialized maintenance crews to Chinese language analysts.
