# 2024-230 Harassment, Harassment Prevention and Resolution Instructions – Procedural Fairness Principles

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-7-17

The grievor, working with a civilian not-for-profit organization that supports programs for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps, was the subject of a complaint made by a civilian volunteer from the organization. The grievor contended that there was a lack of procedural fairness, no formal decision issued in response to the complaint, and a failure to use any recognized process for conflict resolution. As redress, the grievor requested clarification regarding what he considered to be a written harassment complaint, including a full disclosure of the investigation process.

The Initial Authority (IA) did not render a decision within the prescribed timeline but provided notes regarding the actions taken by the Chain of Command (CoC) in relation to the written complaint. The IA explained that Alternate Dispute Resolution was deemed inappropriate due to an official complaint having been made to the civilian police. The IA also confirmed that no formal harassment complaint was filed, no investigation was conducted, and no determination was made.

As a subject matter expert, the Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture clarified that individuals who are not employed by the Department of National Defence (DND) or the federal public service are not subject to the DND/ Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) harassment resolution processes. Consequently, a civilian may direct their complaint to the CAF member’s CoC, which may address the matter through administrative or disciplinary measures.

The Committee found that the grievor had received the resolution he requested, namely a response regarding the actions taken by the CoC in relation to the written complaint. With the miscommunication now rectified, the Committee recommended the grievance be closed with no further action.