Former Canadian sailor launches military abuse class-action lawsuit
VICTORIA — A former sailor says she is launching a proposed class-action lawsuit to change the culture of harassment and abuse in the Canadian Armed Forces after the military rejected her complaints of unwanted sexual advances by a superior.
Nicola Peffers said in a statement of claim that female and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Canadian Forces are routinely subjected to sexual harassment and abuse.
Peffers, 34, said Monday in a conference call from Germany that she did not receive protection or justice after directing her complaints about fear tactics, sexual advances and abuse to senior officials in the Canadian Forces.
Her lawyers sat at a news conference in Victoria as the woman spoke on the phone and said she joined the navy nine years ago to serve and become part of the world’s greater good.