Canadian Armed Forces Apology for Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment: Closing Remarks
Video / April 16, 2026
Transcript
Capt (Navy) Kelly Williamson: To deliver closing remarks on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, it is my honour to welcome Rear-Admiral Jacques Olivier, military champion for racialized persons. Amiral.
RAdm Jacques Olivier: Elder Dumont, Your Excellency, General Carignan, Chief Warrant McCann, distinguished guests, veterans, families, friends, colleagues, and most importantly, you who have experienced systemic racism, those of you who experienced racial discrimination and racial harassment, thank you. Thank you for being here today. Thank you for being with us in this journey.
I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, a young boy from Montréal, 16 years of age. Nearly four decades later, I stand here humbled by what I have witnessed – both pride of service and the painful truth of what we have heard today. I have seen progress. I have seen progress. I have also listened again and again to testimonies that took courage to bring into the light. They have strengthened my conviction that institutions can change when people tell the truth and leaders choose to listen. What we heard today was not only about the past. It is also about the present. It is certainly also about the future that we will build or continue to build together. An apology without action is a wound reopened. An apology with action is a door to healing.
So please allow me to speak directly about mental health. The effects of racism do not go to sleep with one assignment. They do not retire after a career, perhaps shortened prematurely. These harms echo from barracks to kitchen tables across families, homes and through time, shaping identity, belonging and trust in institutions. Too often, stigma isolates, the silence is exhausting; neither is an option.
Let me also address merit. The goal has never been to replace merit; the goal is to make merit work.
This is about precision. Merit is a value we cherish, it is a standard, but it must be real merit, not proximity, not comfort, not tradition alone. Real merit means talent recognized without bias, opportunities distributed fairly, and advancements tied to performance and potential, not networks and sameness. We must also recognize the difference... different groups face historical, structural and systemic barriers requiring different supports to achieve fair outcomes. When we remove systemic barriers, we do not lower standards; we erase them. We open and widen the aperture to see excellence that was always there.
It is honourable to name the prejudice. It is the humility in practice, integrity and leadership, and the openness to grow. To all our members, you inherit both a proud legacy that we cherish, and serious work; you also inherit a promise that you will be judged on your character, your competence, and your commitments. Your identity will not be used against you, and your leaders will act when action is required.
The work ahead belongs to all of us, at every rank and in every occupation. It is written: meaningful inclusion creates lethal armies; military inequality divides them, destroying them from within. Bigotry and racism are self-inflicted wounds that undermine national security. The CAF, the Canadian Armed Forces, is both a machine of war – yes, a fighting force – and a vehicle for social change, reflecting our Canadian values.
I began this journey as a kid from Montréalwho believed in service. I still do. I believe that courage and compassion, paired with discipline and accountability, can reshape any system. I believe that real merit, when understood through both fairness and substantive equality, will make us the most capable, the most cohesive force we can be. And I believe that when we take care of our people – mind, spirit and body – we become unbeatable.
To everyone here and to those across the world, thank you for standing with us in truth. Let this day be remembered not only for the words spoken, but for the work that will follow. This apology does not diminish us. This apology does not sully our name. No, on the contrary. This apology elevates us. This apology elevates us as leaders among leaders. This apology elevates this institution that we are all proud of being in. This apology elevates all of you who has ever worn a uniform. This is what this apology does. Together, we will honour those who serve and those we serve.
Miigwetch. Merci. Thank you.
Capt (Navy) Kelly Williamson: Thank you, Admiral.
As we close, let us carry the spirit of this day into what comes next, listening more deeply, acting more justly, and leading with respect for one another.
Thank you for your presence, for your open spirit and for your courage. Thank you.
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