The Liberal government continues to fail to act three years after the MMIWG Inquiry – New Democratic Party

Posted: June 5, 2022 at 2:45 am

NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality Leah Gazan made the following statement:

It has been three years since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) released its report.

The Inquiry involved impacted families and individuals sharing compelling stories brought forward by survivors of violence and the brave family members who are looking for loved ones, and from those who have lost a loved one due to this ongoing genocide. The grief and trauma that comes along with this sharing these stories can not be overlooked. They are our sisters, daughters, aunties and mothers who vanished from our lives. The people who loved them told the Inquiry that they were left with no answers, no closure and no justice.

Their stories and testimonies formed the bases for the 231 Calls for Justice designed to address systemic racism and legacy of colonial genocide that perpetuates disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The Calls to Justice were steps for the government to take to stop the violence and harm that was being perpetrated against Indigenous women and girls. It is three years later and the crisis has not gotten better. It has, in fact, gotten worse while this Liberal government has failed to implement the Calls for Justice and save lives.

In Winnipeg, five Indigenous women have been murdered or lost their life as a result of the system failing them in the month of May alone. And sadly, that number is very likely to rise throughout the summer.

I have been urging this government to deliver funding for more low-barrier, 24/7 safe spaces so that women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people have a place to go when they need it. Even though the Former Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations called Winnipeg ground zero for MMIWG2S they continue not to act.

It shouldnt be up to Indigenous leaders and communities to plead for the lives of their people. We should not have to convince this Liberal government of our humanity or our right to safety.

Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people have value even if this government fails to recognize it and do whats needed to keep people alive.

We have heard the Prime Minister say that there is more work that needs to be done. When his government has implemented zero recommendations out of 231, it is very safe to say the Prime Minister is correct. Even more concerning is that there was no money allocated in the 2022 budget to address this ongoing genocide.

To the survivors of violence, the families and communities who have lost a loved oneon behalf of all New Democrats, I am wishing you peace and healing today. And I can promise you that we will never stop fighting for justice. We will not rest until this government ensures that all the Calls for Justice are implemented and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people can live in safety and dignity.

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The Liberal government continues to fail to act three years after the MMIWG Inquiry - New Democratic Party

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