Baines wrote in the memo: “I will give him this opportunity to redeem himself and show us how to learn, grow and help the recovery process.”

“It’s commendable that VAdm Baines sincerely and gladly admits his wrong judgment and publicly apologizes. He has contacted many stakeholders to ask for their views on his path forward. Knowing that his moral authority has weakened, he is determined to renew Gain trust and trust.” Gain everyone’s confidence through humility and show us how to learn, correct mistakes and become better leaders. “

Baynes apologized publicly earlier this month and said he was on vacation after media reports that he played golf with former chief of defense staff and retired general Jonathan Vance.

The Canadian Forces National Bureau of Investigation (CFNIS) is investigating allegations of misconduct by Vance against female subordinates, which he denies.

Baynes’ initial apology disturbed some military trauma survivors, who said it was public support for Vance, not the victims.

When Baines stayed, this round of golf caused the military’s second in command to lose his job. Lieutenant General Mike Rouleau admitted that he organized a golf tournament with Vance during his tenure as the boss of the Canadian Army Provost Marshal, so his judgment was strongly criticized and CFNIS reported directly to him.

In the past six months, ten senior leaders have been involved in the crisis of sexual misconduct and left high-level positions, including Admiral Art MacDonald, the highest soldier in Canada. They either took paid leave during the military and police investigations, or they have retired.

Al wrote that he consulted victims and survivors, sailors, soldiers, academics, and senior civil servants to discuss whether Baines should continue to hold his position. He said, “There is no perfect answer. I admit that no matter what the decision is, not everyone will agree.”

Baynes wrote: “For everyone, especially senior leaders, there are some mistakes in judgment that are irreparable, but for others, there will definitely be others.” “I must believe that if we are to become a better one Of institutions and individuals, no matter what generation they are, people can learn and grow.

“We need to be strong enough to see this painful mistake as a powerful opportunity to make us better.”

The acting chief of defense staff faces criticism before dealing with senior leaders

Al had previously been criticized for his handling of cases involving special forces commanders. Wrote a letter to support convicted sex offenders Instead of supporting the victim.

Al initially expressed his confidence in the major general. After the dispute, Peter Dovey will continue to command the special forces. Dawe publicly apologized and stated that he had participated in mediation meetings as restorative justice in the past.

But anger and division grew in the team, prompting Al to announce that Daowei will Move to a new job earlier than planned. When this did not calm the anger, he put Dawe Take an indefinite vacation and apologize for his handling of the case.

Experts say that Baines will send out the wrong message if he continues to hold the position

Meghan McKenzie, chairman of Simons International Law and Human Security at Simon Fraser University, said that Al’s decision to let Baynes continue his role had sent the wrong message to victims of sexual misconduct, and they felt about the real change. despair.

“I think we are at a moment when CAF needs to restore trust between service members on this issue, and this is the opposite,” McKenzie said. “I think the top leaders just want to hold their ground and hope that, like other scandals, this situation will disappear without having to make major changes.”

Mackenzie said that if the military really adopts a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, then golf games will never happen and Baynes should step down.

“The fact that he did not step down makes me question his leadership,” she said. “In fact, Al has not said at this time that it is more important than ever to send a signal to the service staff that we take this seriously, and he should ask him to step down.”

Some experts believe that the crisis of sexual misconduct is becoming a national security issue due to recruitment and loss of personnel. The military has seen the resignation of the lieutenant colonel. Eleanor Taylor—A Medal of Honor combat officer who served as a company commander in Afghanistan and served as a senior staff officer in special forces. Al once said that the military is currently facing a “survival” crisis.

MacKenzie stated that it is unrealistic to expect that solving systemic problems and the widespread culture of sexual assault will not involve the loss of a large number of senior employees. She said that ensuring that the top leader is not a former perpetrator does not violate national security.

“How about the safety of the service staff who deal with sexual harassment every day?” McKenzie said.

The government has instructed former Supreme Court Judge Louis Arbor to lead an external review of sexual harassment and misconduct in the military. The Department of Defense also created a new position of conduct and professional leader, which is now held by a lieutenant general. Jenny Carinan.