Harassment in the army: the lawyers of the federal ordered to redo their homework

Andre Forget/QMI Agency

Maxime Huard

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 17:18

UPDATE
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 17:25

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OTTAWA-Confronted by the fact that the government lawyers objected in court to the military victims of harassment, Justin Trudeau on Wednesday ordered the department of Justice to correct the shot.

“Of course, what the lawyers have argued is not aligned with my beliefs nor those of the government,” assured the prime minister of Canada on his arrival in the liberal caucus.

The federal government is currently contesting before the courts in a class action lawsuit filed in may against the canadian armed Forces by military victims of harassment, has revealed to CTV News on Wednesday.

The minister Jody Wilson-Raybould confirmed in the late afternoon to have received the instructions of the prime minister to rectify the situation. She is now awaiting feedback from its lawyers before making a final decision as to which route to follow.

Ms. Wilson-Raybould stated that it would study the possibility of adjust this folder out of court.

Revelations embarrassing

In the documents of court can be consulted by the television network, the federal government considers it has no legal obligation to ensure that members of the armed Forces to a work environment free of harassment, or even put in place policies to prevent harassment or sexual assault.

These revelations to occur two weeks after the canadian prime minister was delivered during a speech at the world economic Forum in Davos, a vibrating plea in favour of the inclusion of women in the workplace.

Double-talk

While Mr. Trudeau repeated on all the forums that he wishes to put an end to the harassment, the opposition has criticized during the question period, the double speech of the prime minister.

The parliamentary leader néodémocrate recalled that Justin Trudeau has said in the Room, the last month, that the elect were to lead by example in the fight against harassment. “Trying to break up the action, the example given by the prime minister is completely irresponsible and reprehensible,” said Ruth Ellen Brosseau.

The conservative member of parliament Lisa Raitt has stressed that the ministry of Defence stated on its website that it was guaranteed a working environment free of harassment. “Is it that you defend the women, yes or no?” she asked.

The minister of Defence, Harjit Sajjan, has refused to comment on the cause which is before the courts. He however assured that his government applied a “zero tolerance” with regard to the harassment.