By Canadian Press

Admiral lashes out at ‘hateful’ comments as Navy looks to drop ‘seaman’

Jul 26, 2020 | 11:30 AM

OTTAWA — The deputy commander of the Royal Canadian Navy says there is no place in the force for sailors who subscribe to what he describes as “hateful, misogynistic and racist” beliefs.

Rear-Admiral Chris Sutherland issued the warning after some sailors and veterans posted online comments criticizing the Navy’s decision to drop the term “seaman” when referring to its most junior sailors.

Navy officers have said the decision to replace the term with something more gender-neutral is aimed at making the Navy more inclusive and to ensure junior members feel safe and proud of their ranks and jobs.

But while the move has been applauded by some as long overdue, there has also been varying degrees of criticism online — some of which appear to have crossed a line for navy commanders.

Sutherland did not expand on the nature of the offending comments, but said members of the public who make them are disparaging members of the Navy who have dedicated their lives to defending Canada’s freedom.

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And he invited any sailor who wanted to know why the initiative is a priority for the Navy to contact him directly.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2020.

The Canadian Press