Ottawa launches independent review of Canada's beleaguered military-justice system

Supreme Court Justice Morris Fish is starting an outside examination of Canada's troubled military courts, which face questions about the independence of Canada's military judges and the system's handling of sexual-assault cases.

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Supreme Court Justice Morris Fish is starting an outside examination of Canada's troubled military courts.

The review comes as the military struggles with a variety of challenges to the regime.

Those include questions about the independence of Canada's military judges and the system's handling of sexual-assault cases.

There is also growing frustration over delays in the implementation of a declaration of victims' rights more than a year after it was passed into law.

Fish's appointment to lead the review is being welcomed by retired colonel Michel Drapeau, one of Canada's foremost authorities on military law.

Drapeau says the former Supreme Court judge has the experience to dive into the real issues surrounding the military-justice system and his heft will make it hard for the government to ignore his findings.

Ottawa launches independent review of Canada's beleaguered military-justice system

Related stories

Singh demands Afghan interpreters' families be allowed into Canada as Taliban surges

Indigenous lobster fishing boats cut loose from wharf in Nova Scotia: First Nation

Ottawa won't share details on Afghan refugees due to security reasons: Mendicino

Take action

Make a donation