Prime Minister Mark Carney named Louise Arbour as Canada's next governor general on May 5, 2026 [1]. On the same day, the Liberals voted to restore proposed legislation that includes Arbour's 2022 recommendation to strip the Canadian Armed Forces of the power to investigate and prosecute sexual offences [2]. The move has drawn criticism from Conservatives and some survivors, who cite a conflict of interest and argue the government is ignoring victims' voices [4][8].

The bill and the vote

The Liberals voted on Tuesday to drop a Conservative amendment to the bill that would have given victims of sexual offences the right to choose whether their cases are tried by the military or civilian judicial system [3]. Conservative defence critic James Bezan said the timing of the Liberals' move was staged for Arbour's appointment [4]. Defence Minister David McGuinty said he did not know Arbour would be appointed governor general and described the timing as a coincidence [5].

Arbour's 2022 report recommended stripping the Canadian Armed Forces of the power to investigate and prosecute sexual offences [6]. McGuinty said the military has been transferring sexual offence cases to civilian courts since Arbour made the recommendation [7].

Survivor and critic reactions

Conservative MP Jeff Kibble said the government is ignoring critical testimony from sexual assault survivors and other witnesses [8]. Retired major Donna Van Leusden said giving survivors the choice between civilian or military process is the right move [9]. Retired captain Hélène Le Scelleur said she does not believe civilian authorities would accept her case and that the bill means her story does not count [10]. Le Scelleur said she thinks Arbour will be in a conflict of interest if she grants the bill royal assent as governor general [11].

Conflict of interest?

Constitutional expert Philippe Lagassé said there is no conflict of interest because the governor general provides assent on the advice of the houses and is required to grant it [12]. The Privy Council Office said Arbour is an 'esteemed Canadian' who will be an 'exemplary representative of Canada and its institutions' [13]. The Privy Council Office stated that the Governor General has a constitutional duty to grant Royal Assent to legislation passed by the Senate and the House of Commons [14].

What to watch next

Arbour is set to be installed as governor general on June 8 [15]. The bill will continue through Parliament, and survivors and critics will watch closely to see whether the government engages further with their concerns.