The B.C. government has passed an order in council that gives the commissioners of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered indigenous Women and Girls the authority to examine matters within jurisdiction of the province.

The national inquiry’s mandate is to examine and report on systemic causes of violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls and their greater vulnerability to violence. This includes looking into the underlying historical, social, economic, institutional and cultural factors that contribute to the violence, as well as institutional policies and practices that have been implemented in response to that violence.

The Province has also submitted a proposal to the federal government to establish a family information liaison unit that will be a consistent point of contact for families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, which will run parallel to the inquiry process.

B.C.’s commitment to this national issue builds on the Province’s own Oppal Inquiry, which looked at specific cases of missing and murdered women in the Downtown Eastside and along the Highway of Tears. The national inquiry has included the Oppal Inquiry report as part of its foundational material as it examines the root causes and systemic issues that increase the vulnerability of Indigenous women and girls.

British Columbia continues to make progress in implementing recommendations from the Oppal Inquiry, including significant improvements to policing, safety for vulnerable women and supports in missing persons investigations.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton –

“We are heartened that across Canada this topic is getting the attention and leadership it deserves. British Columbia supports the national inquiry as a critical step toward collaborative, meaningful and transformative action on this important issue. The results of the inquiry will inform our on-going progress to address violence against Indigenous women and girls. While much remains to be done for Indigenous peoples, the national inquiry is a chance to get it right for the next generation.”

B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson –

“I am encouraged that the Province has passed this Order in Council, which provides authority for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commissioners to look into and assess items or issues that fall within provincial jurisdiction. This is an important and critical step for the involvement of the Province of B.C. into the National Inquiry. As I have stated before, I have and will continue to insist that the government ensures that there is continued and meaningful engagement with family members and survivors as the Inquiry begins its important work. Again, I am committed to working with the commissioners and with our Federal and Provincial partners in implementing the recommendations coming from the Inquiry. Ending violence against Indigenous women and girls and ensuring their safety and security is the objective.”

Quick Facts:

• The Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) would work directly with families to seek and gather outstanding information they are seeking from agencies and services such as police, prosecutors, social services, child protection services and coroners service. The FILU would provide this service to families in a trauma-informed, culturally-safe manner.
• As part of the proposal, B.C. would engage with families and key stakeholders to ensure the design of the FILU will meet the needs and priorities of families.  
• The federal government, through the Department of Justice, Canada is making $16.7 million available to increase the number of culturally-responsive services for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime. Part of this will also go towards establishing these new Family Information Liaison Units.

Learn More:

• Order in Council: http://bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0802_2016