Premier David Eby has issued the following statement in honour of the annual Women’s Memorial March:

“Today, hundreds of people will come together on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to honour and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people. They will walk through the streets, pausing where the missing and murdered were last seen or found. They will remember, mourn and call for an end to racism, inequity and gender-based violence.

“Our government stands with survivors, supporters and the loved ones left behind – and we are answering their call.

“We are taking action to end the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people by working in partnership with Indigenous people to increase safety and supports for survivors, uplift Indigenous-led approaches and break the cycle of violence through prevention, healing and accountability.

“It is fitting that the Women’s Memorial March is on Valentine’s Day. Everyone we have lost was deeply loved by their family, friends and community. In memory of all missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people, we recommit to ending racism and gender-based violence so everyone in B.C. can enjoy a lifetime of love without the risk of being harmed just because of who they are.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said:

“On Jan. 20, 1992, Cheryl Ann Joe, a 26-year-old mother of three young boys, was murdered in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Women’s Memorial March sparked by her death has grown to become about every missing and murdered Indigenous woman, girl, Two Spirit and trans person. It is a call to action to end gender-based violence and we are committed to supporting and leading that work in every way we can.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people have the right to feel and be safe, and yet they are at greater risk of violence. Today, and every day, we grieve for those who are missing and those whose lives have been stolen. Through Safe and Supported: B.C.’s gender-based violence action plan, we are continuing the vital work to address gender-based violence, systemic racism and discrimination.”

Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, said:

“For 33 years, the grassroots efforts of community members have brought us together on Feb. 14 to acknowledge violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit and trans people. We walk together to honour those who have been murdered or went missing, and survivors and their families. We need to continue working together as government to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence and racism so that every Indigenous woman, girl, Two Spirit and trans person feels safe.”