List of consultations

Consultation period: October 8, 2025, to April 14, 2026

Purpose

To help shape the design, implementation, and delivery of the Restorative Engagement (RE) program on systemic racism. To help ensure that it is informed by the needs of Indigenous, Black, and racialized peoples who have experienced racial discrimination and racial harassment in the Canadian Army Force (CAF).

The RE program on systemic racism aims to support the sharing and acknowledgment of experiences of racial discrimination and harassment. It also aims to foster learning, accountability, and culture change through a restorative approach.

Summary of the feedback

Participants shared insights into the barriers, preferences, and needs of class members who may choose to participate in RE program on systemic racism.

Participants shared the importance of:

• Building trust and psychological safety through trauma-informed approaches and confidentiality
• Ensuring strong leadership accountability with clear action and regular updates
• Providing mandatory, engaging anti-racism training and education to Defence representatives and Restorative practitioners
• Removing institutional, operational, and cultural barriers to participation
• Respecting diverse cultural practices
• Using clear, accessible, and sensitive communication
• Measuring progress and supporting culture change

These insights will guide the DCSRC as it designs and implements RE on Systemic Racism.

Learn more: Restorative Engagement Program on Systemic Racism

Consultation period: October 15 to October 28, 2025

Purpose of the consultation

To gather input on selecting a new name for the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC). One that reflects the Centre’s expanded mandate, while continuing to recognize and support all individuals affected by sexual misconduct and racism within the Defence community.

Summary of the feedback

There were over 700 respondents to the web-based consultation. Respondents voted on a preferred option, and many provided comments and suggestions of their own.

Common themes identified in the feedback included:

• Clear and easy to understand
• Using inclusive and neutral language
• Keeping the focus on people
• Alignment with the Centre’s mandate and purpose

All feedback received through the consultation was reviewed and considered in the development of a shortlist of potential new name options. Following the review of feedback, additional internal consultations were conducted with several Defence Advisory Groups and Defence Team Networks to further inform and obtain their perspectives on the shortlisted name options, after which a final name was selected.

Learn more: What We Heard Report: Help us choose a new name for the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre

Consultation period: April 29 to June 6, 2024

Purpose of the consultation

To inform the development and delivery of the Informal Peer Support Group service and gather insights on how the Peer Support Program can best support participants, through either existing or new services. This program aims to bring people together with shared experiences, create meaningful connections and contribute to participants overall wellbeing.

Summary of the feedback

The DCSRC gained valuable insights into the barriers, expectations and needs of the Defence community when accessing peer support services.

Participants highlighted the need for:

• outreach and services that are tailored to the unique needs of different groups
• flexible sessions that offer a supportive and welcoming environment
• lessons and ideas from both military and civilian peer support programs
• options that are easy to access and that respect different needs and preferences
• opportunities to connect with others, both through organized activities and informal gatherings

Additionally, participants discussed the importance of effective facilitation, the benefits of guest speakers, and the value of Mental Health Professionals’ participation during sessions.

Participants’ insights inform the development, delivery, and refinement of new and existing Peer Support services, with the aim of making them inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of the community.

Learn more: The Informal Peer Support Group and Other Peer Support Services

Consultation period: April 29 to June 6, 2024

Purpose of the consultation

To ensure that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Community Consultations are easy to understand, inclusive and responsive to the needs of consultation participants.

Summary of the feedback Summary of the feedback Summary of the feedback Summary of the feedback

By reviewing this document together, the DCSRC gained valuable insights on community members’ preferences for what they would like to see in the ToR, which outline the purpose, goals, and approach for the consultations.

Participants emphasized that it should:

• clearly explain what is expected from participants in consultations
• outline the roles and responsibilities of DCSRC staff
• include and highlight strong measures to protect privacy and confidentiality
• describe the different ways people can take part
• align with best practices and use consistent language that is familiar to the Defence community

These insights will help shape how the DCSRC plans and carries out future consultations. They will also guide how the ToR document is structured to ensure it reflects the needs of the community and promotes inclusive and responsive engagement.

Consultation period: October 10 to November 2, 2023

Purpose of the consultation

To develop the process for consulting the community, the terms of reference for consultations, and the overall model for DCSRC engagement activities, including the development of an Engagement Framework.

Summary of the feedback

Participants highlighted the need for:

• increased outreach and clear communication
• regular engagement related to policy changes
• trauma-informed practices, and support and safety considerations
• transparent guidelines on roles and responsibilities

These valuable insights will guide the DCSRC’s current and future engagements, ensuring they are responsive, inclusive, and meet the needs of the community.

Learn more in the What We Heard Report: How the DCSRC should consult with the wider Defence community.

Consultation period: October 10 to November 2, 2023

Purpose of the consultation

To inform the development of the Independent Legal Assistance (ILA) program, designed to provide legal information, advice, and representation for people who have experienced sexual misconduct in a DND/CAF context. This program aims to ensure the delivery of client-centered and trauma-informed legal support that meets the diverse needs of the Defence community.

Summary of the feedback

Participants emphasized the importance of increasing outreach and program awareness within the Defence community and consulting external organizations to inform the program’s design.

Key preferences included:

• flexible options for accessing legal assistance
• expertise in both the military and civilian criminal justice systems
• an understanding of military culture

Additionally, participants highlighted the need for a trauma-informed approach and legal support that empowers clients by helping them make informed decisions, and that services are available across Canada.

These insights are informing the ongoing development of the ILA program, ensuring it is inclusive, responsive, and aligned with best practices for legal support in cases of sexual misconduct in a DND/CAF context.

To learn more, read the Independent Legal Assistance (ILA) Program Model.