January 22, 2026 - Defence Stories

Defence Team members continue to be central to sustaining readiness and enabling effective operations for Canada. As our organization grows and evolves, we must adapt our structures and practices so that they keep pace with new expectations and expanding responsibilities. With recent increases in defence investments and the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard into the Defence Team, we are strengthening how we support our workforce and deliver on our mission.

As noted in our last message on strengthening people management to deliver readiness, this work remains a key organizational priority. The Task Force on People Management, launched in late 2024, has helped guide these efforts. Over the coming year, we will be implementing organizational changes in the people management space designed to improve coordination, streamline services, and better meet the needs of a larger and more diverse Defence Team.

Today, we are announcing the first phase of these organizational changes.

Strengthening People Management

To better support a rapidly growing and evolving Defence Team, the Assistant Deputy Minister (HumanResources - Civilian) is transforming into a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) role, under the leadership of Renée de Bellefeuille. The CHRO brings together key military and civilian HR functions to provide a more integrated, strategic, and agile approach to people management across the Defence Team.

Within the CHRO, a new Human Resources (HR) Integrator organization is being created to strengthen coordination of common military and civilian HR functions. Led by Beth Champoux, the HR Integrator will provide strategic HR advice to Defence Team senior leadership, reinforce people management and workforce planning, and reduce duplication in common services. As part of this realignment, the following functions will move from Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC)to the HR Integrator: conflict solutions and services, official languages, and inclusion, which includes employment equity and accessibility.

CPCC will remain focused on driving positive change and advancing professional conduct and culture across the Defence Team.

Expanding resources and support to the Defence Team

Restorative Services are being consolidated within the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), building a central community of practitioners. SMSRC will be designing and delivering Restorative Engagement on Systemic Racism, which is part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)Systemic Racism Class Action Settlement. SMSRC will also be phasing in support services for people affected by racism, starting with current and former CAF members and Veterans.

To understand the ways in which these new services should reflect the needs and experiences of those they are intending to support, SMSRC will hold consultations with the communities it serves. SMSRC is committed to working and consulting with existing and new clients impacted by this expansion to tailor services to their needs. With this expansion, SMSRC will also change its name to better reflect its broader mandate.

Timing

Work to implement these organizational changes has begun within the L1 organizations that are directly affected, and we expect these changes to be completed by spring 2026. More information will be available as detailed plans are finalized.

Investing in our people

There are no personnel reductions in this realignment. These changes reflect our commitment to strengthening people management so we can meet growing organizational demands. This is an early step in improving our people management functions, and additional changes will follow as our transformation continues.

We will continue communicating openly with you as work progresses. Together, we will navigate this evolution and continue building a Defence Team where everyone feels supported and able to contribute to Canada's defence and security.