The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) issued an apology on Thursday for the racial discrimination and harassment experienced by current and former members during their service. The apology was delivered in Ottawa by Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann.
Carignan expressed regret for the long-standing systemic barriers faced by First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, Asian, and other racialized members within the CAF. She acknowledged the failure to provide an inclusive environment that allowed all members to serve with pride and determination. Carignan emphasized the commitment to eliminating systemic barriers, addressing biases, and integrating awareness of systemic racism into recruitment and training to ensure a future free of racism within the CAF.
Following Carignan’s apology, McCann also expressed appreciation for the service and dedication of members, highlighting the need for better treatment. Retired military members from Indigenous, Black, and Asian communities spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of meaningful and lasting change beyond mere apologies.
Wendy Jocko, a retired sergeant and former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, stressed the need for transformative change, drawing attention to the historical struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in the military due to systemic racism. Jocko honored the courage of those who have spoken out against racism and emphasized that the apology is a step towards acknowledging their experiences.
The ceremony also featured speeches from retired captain Kevin Junor on anti-Black racism and retired lieutenant-commander Albert Wong on the challenges faced by the Asian community. Junor highlighted the systemic nature of racism in Canada, as outlined in the Minister of National Defence Advisory Panel’s final report. Wong expressed hope that the apology signals a shift towards addressing the invisible scars of racism experienced by military personnel.
Consultation sessions held by the Department of National Defence and the CAF earlier in the year emphasized the need for concrete actions, ongoing dialogues, and enhanced training and education within the military following the apology.