DAOD 7003-0, Victims' Rights Complaint Review Mechanism

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. Consequences
4. Authorities
5. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-02-15

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the  Department of National Defence (DND employees) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Approval Authority: Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC)

Enquiries: Director General Conflict Solutions and Services (DGCSS)

2. Overview

Rights of Victims

2.1 The Declaration of Victims Rights (DVR) found at Division 1.1 of Part III of the National Defence Act (NDA) establishes victim rights with respect to the military justice system. For convenience of reference, these rights are set out on the CPCC Victims Rights Complaint Review Mechanism website. DND employees and CAF members should familiarize themselves with their rights and other provisions in the DVR.

Right to File a Complaint

2.2 Subsection 71.22(1) of the NDA provides that every victim who is of the opinion that any of their rights under Division 1.1 have been infringed or denied by an authority within the military justice system has the right to file a complaint in accordance with regulations made by the Governor in Council.

Regulations

2.3 Article 108.03 of the Queen's Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces (QR&O) provides for the filing of complaints in writing by victims.

Procedures

2.4 Detailed procedures for the filing of complaints by victims, and actions by review authorities, are set out on the Victims Rights Complaint Review Mechanism website.

Before Filing a Complaint

2.5 Before filing a complaint, victims are strongly encouraged to first bring any concerns or issues to the attention of the appropriate authority in the military justice system. 

3. Consequences

General

3.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements, or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, CAF members may seek direction through their CoC. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the CAF to ensure that it is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability.

4. Authorities

Authority Table

4.1 The following table identifies the authorities associated with this DAOD:

5. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• National Defence Act
• Privacy Act
• QR&O Chapter 108, Declaration of Victims Rights

Other References

• Director of Military Prosecutions Policy Directive 018/18, Canadian Military Prosecution Service Complaints Policy
• Victims Rights Complaint Review Mechanism, CPCC website
• Victims and Survivors of Service Offences website