APTN National News
OTTAWA — A number of families have arrived in Ottawa ahead of Canada’s official announcement of the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women which is expected Wednesday across the river in Gatineau, Que.
Friends and families have been waiting months to hear about how the government plans to tackle the problem.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett will meet families tonight.
Tomorrow’s announcement will mark the end of the government’s role in shaping the design of the inquiry and the beginning of work for the commissioners.
It is expected that five commissioners will be appointed to the body.
They will have the power to summon witnesses and to compel them to give evidence.
The federal government has earmarked $40 million over two years for the inquiry but Bennett has said this is a placeholder budget.
Key themes raised in pre-inquiry consultations included policing practices and the justice system, the role of colonialism and residential schools and poverty.
Advocacy groups are gearing up for the announcement and preparing to respond to the details.
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada will address the inquiry Wednesday afternoon. The group is concerned that none of the five commissioners will be Inuk.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada will address the details at a hotel in Gatineau, Que., in the morning and the Assembly of First Nations will have media availability in the morning as well.
–with files from the Canadian Press
