Mishall RehmanTo ensure justice is swiftly undertaken, the Canadian Armed Forces has introduced time standards for every phase of the military justice system.
“In order for the military justice system to continue to assure the maintenance of discipline, efficiency and morale of the CAF, formal time standards have been established to be applied in the military justice system,” stated CANFORGEN 055/24.
The CANFORGEN goes on to warn that all military members should be aware of the time standards and consult the published list from the CAF.
Complying with Recommendations
In 2018, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada conducted a review of the administration of justice in the military. The office then tabled this review in parliament on May 29 and recommended that the military CAF should define and communicate time standards. The office found that the CAF “took too long to resolve many of its military justice cases,” stated the CANFORGEN.
The recommendation also included that there is a process to track and enforce time standards. The CAF and Department of National Defence accepted the recommendation.
The further requirement to implement time standards was cemented by the passing of Bill C-77 in 2022. This bill ensured victims within the CAF are treated with the same rights civilians have under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
“Following the coming into force of Bill C-77, the time standards have been updated to ensure that it reflects the military justice system as it exists today,” stated the CANFORGEN.
To round out the new policy, the CAF took advice from reviews and consultations with those that are stakeholders in the military justice system.
Time Standards
The new time standards are published explicitly for CAF members to refer to. These standards cover every phase of the justice system, from pre-trial detention to the investigative process and charge-laying process to court martial and everything in between.
Unit legal officers can address questions regarding the introduction of time standards.
For a complete list of time standards, visit here.
