The survey on aboriginal women calls for a two-year extension

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QMI agency

Tuesday, 6 march 2018 13:28

UPDATE
Tuesday, 6 march, 2018 18:05

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OTTAWA – The national Inquiry on missing and murdered aboriginal women has formally requested, on Tuesday for a two-year extension to complete its work.

The commissioners of the inquiry calling for the ministry of Relations Crown-Aboriginal people that their mandate was extended until 31 December 2020.

The commission assesses the cost of this extension at $50 million.

“The commissioners and I firmly believe that a two-year extension is necessary in order for us to honour this mandate of paramount importance for the protection and safety of women, girls and persons LGBTQ2+ aboriginal”, has informed news the chief commissioner Marion Buller.

“The interventions of the families, survivors and aboriginal communities have been overwhelming, and we have a sacred responsibility to continue to move forward”, she added.

Since the beginning of its work, the inquiry has heard 763 witnesses in the course of 134 public hearings and hundreds of private audiences held across Canada.

Not less than 630 people still need to be heard, according to the figures put forward by the commission.

Minister Carolyn Bennett confirmed Tuesday it has received the request for the extension. She will discuss the request in the next few weeks with representatives of indigenous peoples, its provincial and territorial counterparts and the ministerial cabinet.

“Our government is committed to put an end to the national tragedy of the aboriginal women and girls missing and murdered,” said Mrs. Bennet in a statement.

The commissioners of the survey had already announced, last November, at the time of filing first interim report, that they would be given more time.

In the last few months, the investigation has been marked by resignations significant, including that of the director-general Debbie Reid and that of the lawyer Alain Arsenault. These names are added to a long list of departures within the survey since its inception. Many employees have resigned, denouncing in particular, a consultation process was inadequate.