Canadian Military Abolishes ‘Sexual Misconduct’ Definition, Aligns With Criminal Code

National Defence Minister Bill Blair delivers a keynote address at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries annual defence industry trade show CANSEC in Ottawa on May 29, 2024. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

Defence Minister Bill Blair says the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be doing away with its definition of “sexual misconduct” as part of a broader effort to effect culture change in the military.

The offence is being replaced with the new terms “conduct deficiencies of a sexual nature,” “harassment of a sexual nature,” and “crimes of a sexual nature.”