APTN National News
A number of groups continue to pull out of the missing women’s inquiry in British Columbia.
That’s because a number of parties have been denied funding to participate in the inquiry.
So far, 23 parties have been granted standing, but 13 groups have been told the province will not pay their legal fees.
The inquiry is looking into how police bungled the investigation of serial killer Robert Pickton.
Investigators were criticized for taking too long to react to warnings that women from Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside were going missing.
Critics say police ignored warnings because, for the most part, the women were sex trade workers.
Many of the victims were Aboriginal so the issue of racism will also be looked at.
Groups considered crucial to the inquiry have been turned down for legal funding.
The province says the money will be better spent on programs.
But women in the neighbourhood are not buying the excuse.
APTN National News reporter Rob Smith explains the situation.
