General and Flag Officers, I write to share insights and perspectives that you'll need to reflect upon my situation and to bring forward its lessons in our next steps of culture change. No longer constrained by need to refrain from comment and yet unable to meet with you, | see it as my duty to share in the spirit of transparency and dialogue upon which our profession's evolution depends. ‘Asa longtime and enduring champion of culture change, | preface what follows by first acknowledging the courage required to make a complaint, especially against a superior. This defined my response to the allegations as it does my approach with them now refuted. | am obviously pleased that a five-month investigation, which considered statements from almost 40 personnel, has found allegations against me to be unsubstantiated — the outcome of which I was always certain. And let me be clear: | did not do what was alleged and | am not guilty of any wrongdoing whatsoever. Thank you to those of you who, confident in this because you know my character, offered support and encouragement throughout and then acknowledged the significance of a compelling outcome. However, | am quite disappointed that my exoneration has not seen my return to duty. After all, given my recent comprehensive vetting, one would think such a result should have been anticipated as possible, if not likely. Instead, now two months since the investigation conclusions were disclosed, the process underway to bring the situation to a close remains unknown to me. This leaves me concerned whether this unknown process will respect the due process assumed to underpin military, public service, and Canadian culture generally. Further, whatever the current process, officials seem intent — following Prime Minister's Office lead — on accompanying it with only public announcements, absent the respectful and private dialogue typical of the federal workplace. Overlooking that I learned of the investigation results from the media, | share that neither Ministerial nor other officials, including anyone in Defence, have yet communicated privately with me about the findings or subsequent follow-up. Likewise, my own efforts to initiate a private dialogue beginning with the Prime Minister have been rebuffed save for a staffer's delaying response. This is why in August | felt it necessary to communicate publicly my intention to return to work given that the reason for my voluntary decision to step aside had been addressed. It is also why | agreed to recent media interviews. My dismay with the current situation is, of course, aggravated by the fact that, from the moment | was informed that an allegation had been made against me, | have acted with the integrity and compassion that you would expect of your Admiral. 113 hb)Consider that out of respect for the courage it takes to make a complaint, | did everything | could to enable a rigorous and thorough investigation. By immediately and voluntarily stepping aside, for example, the process could unfold without suggestion of impropriety. Moreover, by declining comment during the investigation — despite great personal and institutional cost - criticism or discouragement of anyone involved was avoided so as to encourage the largest possible cohort of witnesses. In short, | did all | could to ensure allegations were fairly considered in support of a result that could be respected. ‘Asa result, the alleged incident, which purportedly happened in a public space the size of an average living room, was investigated for five months. The investigation was informed by almost 40 witnesses who would have been in a position to corroborate allegations of any offence or misconduct. Upon consideration of evidence from these witnesses, investigators and prosecutors concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated and that evidence ‘would not support even the very low threshold to lay any charge. Despite this clear finding, the manner in which government has managed the process has meant personal and institutional reputational costs — aggravated by some media reporting and public discourse (including that online) bereft of accurate information. Instead, reports were often replete with hurtful sensationalism, innuendo, and inaccurate characterization. Yet, my responses throughout were never in doubt. As I have been espousing for years, such responses represent the actions that need to be our culture — from start to finish; bottom to top. It is what those who present allegations are due. It is what is expected of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. | expect this from subordinates. And, without hesitation, it's what | did when challenged by allegations to very publicly ‘walk the talk.” ‘Acting this way, doing what is right, is — has always been — the basis of my authority to command. So, even when facing allegations personally, it was without hesitation that | acted out of respect for the accuser and the need for a full sounding of an allegation. Therefore, I assert that my leadership is now proven stronger than ever. After all, anyone can be accused of wrong-doing. And while it should remain exceptional that senior leaders face allegations, in a fair and just organization anyone must be so subject. | suggest, however, it is in response to allegations that individuals — and the institutions they shepherd — need be judged. In these responses we must find the culture of the rule of law, fairness, and respect for which the CAF, the public service, and our nation are known. Hence, with allegations against me refuted as unsubstantiated, | suggest that it is the institution's response by way of follow-up that now merits close public scrutiny. Our reflections must recall, too, that since February many have rightly emphasized the need for procedural fairness for all involved. They've stressed that, without due process for everyone, we are left only with witch-hunts that are not conducive to culture change. 213 AyTo avoid undermining the principles that must be foundational to legitimate culture change, the way ahead in bringing my situation to an appropriate conclusion seems evident: just as it was once time for me to step back and enable an investigation, it is now time for the institution to step up to accept the results of due process. In this case this means seeing my immediate retum to duty or, at the very least, the launching of a respectful private and, when appropriate, accompanying public discourse regarding any alternative way ahead. Of course, the Governor in Council has broad discretion to act as it wishes and without cause. | am bound by whatever decision is made. In the meantime, | must dutifully continue to advocate that CAF/Defence decision-making be guided by our key principles and that the resolution of any dispute or complaint must be fair, reasonable, and appropriate. At this critical juncture in CAF culture change, the resolution of my situation is vitally important not only for me but also for all CAF members and the institution we serve. At issue is finding the right balance between the multiple and often conflicting obligations of due process. These include the need for procedural faimess, our desire to ensure that members feel safe to bring forward complaints of misconduct, and the fair and appropriate treatment for all persons involved. Recalling that | was amongst the earliest proponents for an external inquiry into the CAF's handling of sexual misconduct allegations, | am delighted that we can anticipate that this issue will ultimately profit from Madame Justice Arbour's learned consideration. Shipmates, you'll know that through all of this | remain as committed to being an engine of culture change as I was upon assuming the Watch as Chief — and for years before that. This defined my response to the allegations as it does my approach with them now refuted. Further, I hope that these shared insights and perspectives may also help you to shape and implement meaningful and enduring culture change capable of the outcomes that every accuser and accused deserves. Once again thank you for your friendship and support as well as for the years of service and sacrifice that you and your families have given Canada including in this most difficult time. ‘As we move forward, know that | will always remain your ally and that | am disposed always to discuss these and other matters of mutual interest should you wish to reach out. Yours Aye, Admiral 3/3