Ontario Supporting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Press Release
September 6, 2016
Ministry of the Attorney General
Ontario is supporting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and establishing a support office for families involved in the inquiry process.
The province has passed an Order-in-Council giving the federally-appointed commissioners of the national inquiry full investigative authority to compel testimony and collect documents and other evidence from individuals, organizations and government agencies in Ontario. This ensures the inquiry can investigate areas of provincial jurisdiction, such as policing and social services, that could offer insight into the causes and prevention of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The national inquiry is a crucial step on Ontario’s path to healing and reconciliation.
Ontario is also setting up a support office dedicated to helping family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls access information related to the loss of their loved ones. Next month, families will be able to access the Family Information Liaison Unit, which will serve as a critical link between the families, government agencies and the commission, and will connect families to culturally-appropriate services and community supports.
Ontario’s commitment to addressing this national issue was reinforced in Walking Together: Ontario’s Long-Term Strategy to End Violence Against Indigenous Women – a strategy developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners from Ontario’s Joint Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women. Walking Together is supported by an investment of $100 million over three years and sets out six action areas where the government will work hand-in-hand with Indigenous communities.
Ending violence against Indigenous women and girls is a priority for the government. All Ontarians deserve to feel safe in their communities, workplaces, homes and schools and to be free from the threat of violence.
Background Information
Media Contacts
Clare Graham
Minister Naqvi’s Office
Clare.Graham@ontario.ca
416-326-7071
Polina Osmerkina
Minister Zimmer’s Office
Polina.Osmerkina@ontario.ca
416-314-2529
Laura Dougan
Minister MacCharles’ Office
Laura.Dougan@ontario.ca
416-325-9596
Brendan Crawley
Media Contact, Ministry of the Attorney General
Brendan.Crawley@ontario.ca
416-326-2210
Flavia Mussio
Media Contact, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Flavia.Mussio@ontario.ca
416-314-9455
Laura Sylvis
Media Contact, Ontario Women’s Directorate
Laura.Sylvis@ontario.ca
416-314-7010
ILR5
