Canada's NDP

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May 16th, 2014

No excuse to refuse a national enquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women

The leader of the Official Opposition, Tom Mulcair, calls on the Conservative government to finally recognize that we must take exceptional measures to address the murder and disappearance of hundreds of Indigenous Women in Canada over the last 30 years.

The RCMP publically released today their findings, which confirm that Indigenous women are three to four times more likely to go missing or be murdered than the rest of the Canadian population. Since 1982, 1181 Indigenous women went missing or were murdered- almost 36 women and girls per year who never came home to their friends and families.

This report tragically confirms what Indigenous women and their communities have always known that violence against women is a societal concern that goes beyond policing and that the federal government needs to play a key role in resolving the crisis, working closely with Indigenous women and their communities.

“The Conservatives have run out of excuses. A national public inquiry is the only way to seek answers about the hundreds of Indigenous women who have been murdered or gone missing across the country, and to begin to bring closure and healing to their families and communities”, said M. Mulcair.

This inquiry should be done in tandem with a national action plan to end violence against women. “We need to ensure that concrete measurable steps are taken in consultation with Aboriginal communities and organizations to prevent future tragedies”, added Mr. Mulcair.