SUPREME Court former justice Marie Deschamps warned on Thursday that the Canadian armed forces perpetuate a sexualised military culture hostile to women and gay people and tolerant of harassment and assault.

An external review led by Ms Deschamps said soldiers were exposed to sexual innuendo, degrading language, rape jokes and discriminatory comments about women and LGBT people from the moment they joined.

It found “a large percentage” of cases of sexual assault and harassment are not reported.

The military launched the review last year after media reports of sexual harassment and assault cases.

Ms Deschamps held more than 700 interviews and found misogyny and sexual misconduct so pervasive that members had become desensitised to it, with officers tending to excuse incidents.

The Canadian military admitted it must do a better job of understanding the issue.

“Inappropriate sexual behaviour is complex, and quick Band-Aid fixes are unlikely to solve the problem,” said Major-General Chris Whitecross.