Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Former Canadian sailor launches military abuse class-action lawsuit

Former Canadian sailor launches military abuse class-action lawsuit | iNFOnews.ca
Former Canadian Navy Ordinary Seaman Nicola Peffers pictured on the television, listens in during a phone call as personal injury lawyers Natalie Foley and Rajinder Sahota with law firm Acheson Sweeney Foley Sahota, file a proposed class action lawsuit alleging sexual assault and harassment of female and LGBTQ members of the Canadian Armed Forces during a press conference in Victoria B.C., Monday, December 5, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA – A former sailor alleges in a proposed class-action lawsuit that there is a culture of sexual harassment and fear in Canada's Armed Forces.

Nicola Peffers says in a statement of claim that female and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered members of the Armed Forces are routinely subjected to sexual harassment and abuse.

Peffers says she joined the navy nine years ago but left in 2012 after her complaints of harassment and sexual assault were not properly investigated or dealt with.

The 34-year-old was based at Canadian Forces Esquimalt near Victoria and served on frigates.

Her lawyers told a news conference today they expect hundreds and perhaps thousands of military members to join the class action, which seeks to compensate alleged victims and change the culture of the Armed Forces.

The Department of National Defence says it is aware of the legal action and since the Attorney General of Canada has only recently been filed with the lawsuit, it is being reviewed to determine next steps.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Peffers' lawyer, Natalie Foley, says attempts by the military to help and protect victims of harassment and abuse have been woefully inadequate.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Kim Anderson

Originally from a northern B.C. town that boasts a giant fly fishing rod and a population of 3,100, Kim moved to Kamloops in 2011 to attend Thompson Rivers University. Kim is as comfortable behind a camera as she is writing on her laptop. After graduating with a degree in journalism, Kim has been busy with an independent freelance writing project and photography work. Contact Kim at kanderson@infonews.ca with news tips or story ideas.

Kim's Stories

Related Articles