The Defence Department announced May 29, 2025, that, effective immediately, the “Independent Legal Assistance Program” is launching the services of a (unnamed) “full-time bilingual independent legal counsel with a background in the prosecution of sexual offences and knowledge of the military justice system.”
The federal government’s website states that the ILA program legal team “consists of DND public service employees who have experience in working with those who have been affected by sexual misconduct,” and who provide “confidential and independent assistance, at no cost to individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct within a DND/CAF context.”
According to DND, its ILA program “supports individuals in making informed choices that align with their needs, goals and circumstances, while helping them understand their rights and options.”
Defence Minister David McGuinty
“The expansion of the Independent Legal Assistance Program will provide access to legal counsel faster, helping clients understand their rights and options,” said McGuinty, who is a lawyer.
DND noted that since May 2023, individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct within a DND/CAF context have also been able to apply for reimbursement of “eligible legal expenses” for consulting an “external” lawyer in Canada. Such eligible expenses must have been incurred on or after April 1, 2019.
“The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre wants to ensure that individuals affected by sexual misconduct in a DND/CAF context have access to the legal help they need, at no cost,” the centre’s chief operations officer, Martin Gravel, said in a statement. “Having an ILA program legal team strengthens our ability to provide supportive and independent legal options and services.”
The department said its ILA program offers three types of legal support:
- Legal information: General information about the law and legal processes. “It can help a person understand their legal rights or how and where to seek assistance.”
- Legal advice: “Personalized legal advice about military and criminal justice systems.”
- Legal representation: “Support and representation from the independent legal counsel in specific military and criminal court proceedings, such as protecting their private records or supporting their participation in justice processes.”
The department said those interested in the ILA program’s services or in receiving reimbursement for their eligible legal costs can call 1-844-750-1648 to speak with a counsellor, who will refer them to the ILA program. The announcement said they can also email the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre at DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern).
As well, current and former CAF members who have been accused of sexual misconduct may be eligible to obtain assistance, at no cost, from DND’s Defence Counsel Services. The 24/7 duty counsel line is at 1-888-715-9636. In addition, people may qualify for provincial/territorial legal aid programs or may retain a civilian lawyer of their own choice and at their own cost, the department said.
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