By Dennis Ward
WINNIPEG – The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will have a budget much higher than originally announced.
The Minister of Indigenous Affairs Carolyn Bennett announced $53.8-million in funding for the two-year inquiry that will get underway next month.
She also addressed one of the main criticisms and concerns following the leak of a terms of reference.
Bennett said the commission is directed to examine and report on the impacts of institutions such as policing, child welfare, coroners and other government policies and practices.
Status of Women Minister Patty Hajdu said racism and sexism are “embedded in the very institutions that are supposed to protect” women and girls.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson Reybould was emotional during her speech at the event.
She announced there would be $11.6-million set aside over four years for the creation of Family Information Liaison Units in each province and territory and to increase Victims Services funding to provide culturally-appropriate victims services for families of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls.
The Commission’s mandate emerged from 18 pre-inquiry meetings with 2,000 participants and 4,100 online submissions.
i’m sure there will be plenty more money thrown around at the end of it, ever when 85% of these cases are solved and their “partners”, cousins, brothers, etc. are in jail for their murder. no amount of money will ever stop people from doing these things and never has.