The CDS’ open letter on harassment

CDS / CEMD, Gen Raymond Henault
National Defence

   Creating a harassment-free workplace takes a personal commitment from every member of the Canadian Forces, every employee of the Department of National Defence and everyone who supports these institutions through related agencies such as the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency.

   This is an important message that must be made forcefully. A good example is a recent letter from John F. Geci, President and Chief Executive Officer of CFPSA, to all his employees outlining his commitment to fostering a positive work environment and a harassment free workplace. I share Mr. Geci’s commitment and I firmly support his approach in reinforcing the various policies and procedures by way of information seminars, training and retraining on this issue throughout the whole CFPSA organization. The CFPSA has a value system that complements, or is complemented by, our laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Behaviour to the contrary is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

    You may be aware that recent changes have taken place within CANEX. I want to reassure you that recent workplace difficulties within that organization have been rectified, and that the CFPSA is taking active and aggressive steps to prevent a recurrence. I have no doubt that CANEX, with its new management team and the continued support of all CANEX and CFPSA employees, will continue to thrive and serve CF members and their families in the best possible way.

   The obligation to prevent harassment extends equally throughout the Canadian Forces. I view it as part of my priority of putting people first, and I want to reassure all members and employees that harassment in any form will not be tolerated. I urge you all to review the harassment policies of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces held by your Unit Harassment Advisor or found on the web (see You Can Prevent and Resolve Harassment at http://hr3.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/harassment/engraph/home_e.asp), and the CFPSA’s Harassment Prevention policy where applicable. I also encourage you to take a personal interest in preventing harassment where you serve.

   For those of you who may have experienced harassment at work, I urge you to bring it to the attention of your chain of command. If you are uncomfortable doing so, you are encouraged to phone the DND/CF Help Line for Harassment/Sexual Assault at 1-800-290-1019. The help line is staffed Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time.) If you have experienced harassment and you do not wish to pursue a complaint, but are seeking help in dealing with its effects, the CF Member Assistance Program (http://hr3.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/health/services/engraph/member_assist_program_home_e.asp) and the public service-wide Employee Assistance Program (http://hr3.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/admhrciv/eap/engraph/home_e.asp) are both available to provide personal, confidential assistance.

   The importance of treating everyone with respect, civility, and courtesy cannot be over emphasized. This is critical to enhancing quality of life throughout the Canadian Forces, and equally within the CFPSA. For those reasons, I firmly support the actions taken by the President and CEO of CFPSA, and his commitment to maintaining the best possible work environment within this important support organization.