Conservative inaction on missing aboriginal women shameful: Turmel

OTTAWA – The inaction of the Conservative government on missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in this country is shameful, said Official Opposition Leader, Nycole Turmel.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) will conduct an investigation into the 600 documented murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada in the last 20 years.

“We welcome the UN investigation and are anxious to find out the results, but once again, the inaction of the Conservatives is a source of embarrassment for Canada internationally,” said Turmel.

“The UN sounded the alarm three years ago and called for action on the part of the government, but nothing was done. We simply can’t rely on this government to seriously address the crisis these Aboriginal women are facing,” said Turmel.

It’s only the second time the CEDAW Committee has launched this type of investigation, the first was in Mexico. These investigations are only used as a last resort, when the government has failed to resolve the situation.

“These murders and disappearances are a real tragedy. These women have waited far too long to get real action from their government. This government doesn’t do anything for Aboriginals and, once again, they have to rely on the international community to get help,” said the NDP Leader.

“This government must conduct a serious investigation into crimes against Aboriginal women. It must also put in place a clear strategy to address and eliminate violence against women in this community,” concluded Turmel.