Class members
We are currently updating our website to reflect our new name and mandate.
During this transition, some pages may display updated information while others may not yet reflect these changes. If you need assistance finding information, please contact us at dnd.dcsrc-csrcd.mdn@forces.gc.ca or 1-844-750-1648.
Thank you for your understanding.
Important update: Restorative Engagement Program
As most class members completed their engagements by March 2026, and all Defence representative cohorts have concluded, the RE Program on Sexual Misconduct is now coming to a close.
Over several years, the program created space for class members to share their experiences, impacts and insights, with Defence representatives. Their contributions have helped deepen understanding and support culture changes across the Defence Team. We are deeply grateful to all class members.
Our work continues. We are now focused on reviewing what was shared, bringing key insights together, and preparing the Final Report. This work will help inform future actions to address sexual misconduct and continue culture change within the institution.
For more information on this milestone and what comes next, please consult The Maple Leaf article: March 2026: A key Milestone for the Restorative Engagement Program on Sexual Misconduct.
The Restorative Engagement program supports class members to share their experiences, knowledge, and understanding of sexual misconduct and its causes and impacts. This may include ideas and insights about what needs to change to address sexual misconduct within the CAF/DND.
The RE program is outside the CAF chain of command and investigation processes. Participation is not part of any administrative, disciplinary or criminal process.
There are different ways in which class members may share their experiences, impacts or insights related to sexual misconduct.
As part of RE, class members may choose to share with a Defence representative:
- as much or as little as they would like about their experience(s) of sexual misconduct, such as:
- the harm
- how it was, or was not, responded to
- the impact it had on their life
- their thoughts and knowledge about the causes of sexual misconduct and what needs to change to better respond and prevent it.
Sharing experiences may bring up difficult emotions. Class members can get support from a designated support person that can be present during all stages of participation. They may also look at the program’s support services and resources.
Ways to participate
Class members can choose to participate in one of the following four ways:
- Individually:
- by sharing directly with a Defence representative (in-person, virtually, by phone); may include support person(s)
- by sharing indirectly with a Defence representative with, or without, requiring a response
- In a group setting with:
- other class members and Defence representatives (virtually)
- other class members (virtually) and by sharing indirectly with Defence representatives with, or without, requiring a response
Restorative practitioners meet with Class members to facilitate their preparation before engagement sessions with Defence representatives. Class members are in control of the information they provide and what they choose to share. Engagement sessions are also facilitated by restorative practitioners.
The RE Program does not facilitate communication between class members and those who directly harmed them.
Phases of the Restorative Engagement process
Phase 1
Class members meet with restorative practitioners and learn more about the:
- program
- purpose
- approach
- limits
- options for participation
Restorative practitioners also support class members to:
- determine if the program can meet their objectives
- make an informed decision about whether or not they want to participate
- explore what supports they might need during engagements and
- ensure they are connected with resources for support, if needed
Class members can choose to share their experiences of sexual misconduct but are not required to.
Phase 2
In this phase, restorative practitioners guide class members to:
- identify their objectives for the engagement process
- decide what experiences, knowledge and/or insights they want to share and how
- decide on what engagement option they would like to select and
- prepare themselves to engage with a Defence representative
- participate in an engagement session with a Defence representative
Phase 3
In this phase, class members are invited to:
- reflect on and discuss their experience in the program
- share their feedback and
- reflect on next steps, and discuss their expectations regarding maintaining a connection with the program such as:
- Receiving ongoing updates from the program, which could include opportunities for future involvement in culture change efforts in DND/CAF
- Sharing about their experience participating in RE, as part of program communications efforts.
During Phase 3, class members have an opportunity to identify if they would like to express interest in participating in a circle process with executives from DND/CAF. There will only be a few of these circle processes throughout the lifespan of the program. If a class member is interested, they can let their restorative practitioner know and they may be contacted if the opportunity becomes available.
Class member updates
Read the latest updates sent to class members who have expressed an interest to participate in the Restorative Engagement Program.