Canada's NDP

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May 25th, 2018

NDP Statement on International Missing Childrens Day

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, made the following statement:

Every day in Canada, an average of 80 children are reported missing. Most are found in the hours that follow their disappearance, but some parents never see their children again. For these devastated families, all that remains is pain, suffering and confusion.

On this International Missing Children’s Day, we send our thoughts and love to these families as they deal with such unthinkable trauma. Let’s remember the names and the faces of those who never made it home.

This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the many organizations, volunteers and emergency service departments who are on the front lines of responding to situations involving missing children – their dedication and commitment to dealing with these moments of crisis ensure that most children are found and brought back home safe and sound.

It should also be noted that First Nations youth and young women continue to be overrepresented in abduction statistics and, sadly, 8 out of 10 abducted children, who are murdered, are girls. This is something that must addressed by all levels of government, to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

Today and every day, we recommit ourselves to building a world where every child can grow up safe and fullfill their dreams.