The move comes after CBC News reported two months ago that survivors of military sexual trauma were offended by a luxury military commander’s decision to wear his uniform and medals in his ongoing sexual assault trial. Maj. Gen. Dany Fortin, the former head of Canada’s vaccine task force, was charged last year with one count of sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident in 1988. He has pleaded not guilty. Since Fortin’s trial began in September, he has defended himself in court wearing his uniform and ten medals on his chest. A spokesman for Fortin — who did not want to be named because of concerns about online retaliation — said in September that Fortin is presumed innocent and that it is appropriate for him, as an active-duty officer, to wear his uniform in court. However, some survivors of sexual trauma described Fortin’s decision to wear his medals as an act of intimidation that would have a silencing effect on survivors. They said the uniform is a powerful symbol of the institution and wearing it could make the complainant feel like he is facing the entire Canadian Armed Forces in court. In response to complaints and media inquiries, the Ministry of National Defense said in September that the military would review its dress code policy. At the time, the department said military members were allowed to wear their uniforms to civil court — but it was an individual choice they were solely responsible for. WATCHES | Military commander criticized for wearing full uniform at civil trial:
Military commander criticized for wearing full uniform to civil trial
Maj. Gen. Dany Fortin has been criticized after wearing his full military uniform, including 10 medals, while on trial in a civilian court for sexual assault. Canadian Armed Forces leadership has now told all military personnel that, starting Dec. 1, they will only be allowed to wear their uniforms in civilian criminal court if they are testifying on behalf of the forces or the Crown in a military capacity. If a military member wants an exception to the new rule, they must submit a written request and receive approval from the chain of command, the directive states. The new policy is consistent with other police forces in Canada and allied military forces, the directive to military members says. “CAF’s cultural evolution is an ongoing process,” DND spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said in a media statement. “Over the past year, the Defense Team has been committed to using integrated, transparent and trauma-informed approaches as part of its culture development initiatives.” The civilian justice system prosecutes a range of offenses involving members of the military, including murder, manslaughter and sexual assault. INJ20K, a volunteer group of survivors of military sexual trauma, said in a media statement that it raised concerns about the dress code with the military and is “pleased” with the decision. “Restricting the CAF uniform to court, except for duty-related situations, is the absolute right decision,” wrote INJ20K co-chair Sam Samplonius. (DND confirmed that the Navy has covered travel expenses for INJ20K members to attend training sessions.) Fortin is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 5, when the judge presiding over his case is expected to issue a ruling. Under the new policy, Fortin will have to wear plainclothes to his trial for the first time. Fortin and his attorney said they would not comment on any matter related to his trial while the trial is ongoing.
