Military’s first female JAG hopes her appointment sends a message

After a scathing report in 2015 showed that many women in uniform were being harassed or assaulted, Defence chief Gen. Jonathan Vance ordered an end to any inappropriate sexual behaviour.

He’s also aiming to see women make up 25 per cent of military personnel within the next decade and is appointing more women to the senior ranks.

Her appointment reflects that, Bernatchez said.

“I think that when we’re criticizing institutions, saying that they speak but do not act, in this case the words are matching the deeds,” she said.

“And that’s wonderful.”

Bernatchez’s appointment also comes as the military justice system is looking at big changes.

The system is currently in the midst of a major review launched last year in part because of complaints about how sexual crimes committed by those in uniform were being handled.

Bernatchez said there’s no doubt that she will bring a different perspective and approach to military justice than her male predecessors.

“Being a mother, being a daughter, being a wife has shaped who I am and the way I see things,” she said. “It’s certainly shaped the way I have approached challenges over the course of my career.”

She would not reveal what kind of changes she would like to see, saying instead that she would reserve judgment until the review is complete.

“The military justice system has places for improvement,” Bernatchez said.

“And there’s no doubt in my mind that I have a strong responsibility to ensure that the military justice system is in step with Canadian law and with Canadian expectations.”

— Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter.

Lee Berthiaume, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Military’s first female JAG hopes her appointment sends a message

Our Community