Retired Leading Seaman Marie-Claude Gagnon is recognized for her important work helping Veterans impacted by military sexual trauma (MST). Marie-Claude who served for seven years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, founded and leads a safe and non-judgmental website and social network that connects people suffering from MST.
It’s Just 700 (IJ700) provides confidential, peer support and shares information about relevant tools, events, research opportunities, programs and services. Marie-Claude started IJ700 after a senior military officer responded to a 2015 report on sexual misconduct in the Canadian military by stating “It’s just 700 interviews [complaints].” This phrase galvanized Marie-Claude into action, because in her mind, 700 individuals experiencing military sexual trauma was 700 too many.
Marie-Claude and her work with IJ700 can be credited for creating public awareness about the issue and activating positive systemic change in the Canadian military. As a direct result of her leadership, the academic research community has recognized the importance of studying the impacts of military sexual trauma. She also works with Veterans Affairs Canada and other groups to promote fairer access to health care, benefits and services for military sexual trauma survivors.
In 2019, Marie-Claude also helped initiate a successful $900 million class action lawsuit in relation to military sexual conduct in the Canadian Armed forces and the Department of National Defence. Further, she has called on the military to incorporate gender parity on court martial panels.
IJ700 members have described Marie-Claude as a “savior”, “angel” and “force of nature”. Mostly, though, she is heralded as a tireless and selfless leader.