Gen. Lawson admits sexual misconduct remarks were 'not helpful'

Chief of the National Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson prepares to appear at a House of Commons committee on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Wednesday, June 17, 2015. (Fred Chartrand / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson spoke out Wednesday in the wake of his controversial comments on sexual harassment in the military, admitting his remarks were not helpful and clouded the military’s efforts to deal with the issue.

Speaking to the House of Commons National Defence committee, Lawson repeatedly expressed regret and remorse about his suggestion that “biological wiring” is to blame for sexual harassment in the military.

“In view of the prevalence of this issue (sexual harassment) being a societal problem, my unhelpful comments were a conjecture that really did serve no purpose and, in fact, clouded the very strong efforts that we have going forward,” he said.

Lawson made the comments in an interview broadcast Tuesday, in which he spoke about the issue of sexual harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces. He suggested people are “biologically wired in a certain way" and "there will be those who believe it is a reasonable thing to press themselves and their desires on others.”

He apologized for his “awkward” comments soon after, saying that his reference to “biological attraction” being a factor in sexual misconduct does not excuse anyone from their actions.

The committee did not waste any time in getting to the matter Wednesday.

“You dumbed down the problem of sexual harassment in the military to one of biology. Well, your comment dumbed down the position of chief of the defence staff,” said Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant.

NDP defence critic Jack Harris even joked that Lawson should receive a medal of honour for showing up to the meeting after Tuesday’s comments.

Lawson reiterated that there is no excuse for sexual misconduct of any kind in 2015. He told the committee that the military remains committed to ridding the institution of the problem and, more specially, implementing all 10 recommendations in a recent report about sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Speaking in question period Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Lawson’s remarks were “unacceptable,” inappropriate,” and “offensive.”

Cabinet ministers also reacted to Lawson’s comments Wednesday, as the Conservatives held their last caucus meeting before the summer break from Parliament.

“I’m at a loss for words on the chosen verbiage the general used. It’s not something I agree with and it’s not something I appreciated in senior management,” said Transport Minister Lisa Raitt.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay said Lawson feels badly for his comments.

“In fairness, he’s apologized. I saw him last night, and I know he genuinely feels badly about the way he used that language, but I’ll leave it at that,” said MacKay.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says Lawson’s remarks are evidence that military culture – not just leadership -- has to change. Lawson was already due to step down from the post in September.

“What General Lawson said was completely wrong and totally unacceptable,” said Mulcair. “But if only the problem were as simple as the departure of one general who said something that is totally wrong.

“The real problem is that no one’s working for a change in the culture in the military on the issue of sexual harassment.”

Mulcair said the Conservative government and military brass “simply don’t get” the issue of sexual harassment in the military.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau called for immediate action in response to Lawson’s comments.

“General Lawson’s comments the other day were completely unacceptable. His excuse was completely inadequate. General Lawson should be immediately dismissed,” said Trudeau. “His comments are absolutely out of place in 2015.”

With files from The Canadian Press