OTTAWA — The Liberal government has reintroduced legislation aimed at reforming the military justice system, which previously failed to pass in the last Parliament. The proposed legislation, known as Bill C-11, seeks to transfer the investigation and prosecution of sexual offenses under the Criminal Code from military authorities to civilian ones.

Defence Minister David McGuinty described the introduction of this bill as a “pivotal moment” for the Canadian Armed Forces. The reforms are a direct response to recommendations made by former Supreme Court justices Louise Arbour and Morris Fish, who called for modernization of the military justice system.

This initiative follows earlier efforts by former Defence Minister Bill Blair, who introduced similar measures in the House of Commons last year under Bill C-66. However, that legislation was halted when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament at the beginning of the year.

The reintroduction of these reforms reflects ongoing concerns about how sexual offenses are handled within the military and aims to enhance accountability and support for victims.