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Delayed –but should remain focused

Posted in View Point

Published on August 12, 2016 with No Comments

The numbers so presented by RCMP for killing and disappearance of aboriginal girls and women have created ripples. These numbers give a chill down the spine as various governments have not taken timely and effective action to address the root issue.RCMP has revealed in its data; more than 1181 killings and disappearances of aboriginal girls and women since 1980. Between 1980 and 2012, 16 percent of all women killed in Canada were indigenous. The proportion is shocking- especially when just 4 percent of Canadian women are aboriginal. Numbers do convey a lot about the intent of the authorities with 225 unsolved cases.  These killing and disappearance of aboriginal girls and women has become a national disgrace for Canada. Minister of Status of Women Patty Hajdutoo acknowledged that racism and sexism are “embedded in the very institutions that are supposed to help and protect” indigenous women and girls.

The matter raised enough dust during the Conservative rule but former Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to hold an inquiry. The Liberal government has been lethargic in its approach too. The federal government only recently announced a long overdue inquiry. The establishment of this inquiry commission didn’t come easy. It is a result of tireless and heart-wrenching activism by the families of the murdered and missing. The announcement of forming the commission of inquiry hascome a good ten months after the Justin Trudeau led Liberal took over- An action that required immediate attention, but has come a little late. While the former Conservative government didn’t order inquiry, the party was the first one to issue sermons to the Liberal on how to handle the inquiry. Cathy McLeod, Official Opposition Critic for Indigenous Affairs and Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, “The Conservative Party supports the public inquiry, as long as it remains focused on reducing these horrific tragedies and achieving measurable improvements in the day-to-day lives ofIndigenous women and girls.” Canadians need to ask Cathy McLeod – why didn’t the Stephen Harper government order an inquiry if they have had the same objective in mind.

The inquiry will take off on September 1 and may run for little more than two years and can cost the exchequer $ 53.8million. That is 13.8 million more than originally projected. The commission is required to bring out its interim report in a year and complete the hearings by Dec 31 2018.

Now that Liberals have ordered an inquiry, it would play a critical role in mapping a vital action plan to safeguard the human rights of the indigenous girls and women by looking for the root causes and institutional barriers that existed in the past and remain in force even now.

Canadians need to acknowledge that the inquiry can’t undo the injustices that the indigenous people have suffered over the decades, and the various political parties must ensure that this doesn’t turn out to be yet another case of justice delayed is justice denied.  Nevertheless, it would be able to review what happened in the past, the present system and its fault lines suggest ways to move forward. With Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellengarde saying that he would make it his job to “ensure recommendations are carried out”, it does give hope that inquiry would not only be looking at the root causes but would also be giving recommendations. The five-member commission will be led by Marion Buller, the first female First Nations judge appointed in British Columbia. The commission had been entrusted with the power and authority to summon witnesses, including police. That may sound like giving enough power to the Commission but for certain drawbacks that it carried. Pauktuutit, the national organization that represents Inuit women, expressed disappointment that the inquiry would not include an Inuit commissioner. The commission would not make findings of criminal or civil liability, but commissioners will be able to refer cases back to police or attorney generals for follow-up if deemed warranted.

While the Liberals have taken their own time to order a commission, and gives a sense of respecting the mandate. The commission is now required to come up with real recommendations for change needed to protest the indigenous girls and women. The commission despite its drawbacks can make a real difference.

 

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