November 26, 2021
Government Introduces Legislative Amendments That Would Address MMIWG National Inquiry Calls For Justice
– – –Amendments Would Support Right to Safety, Right to Live Free From Violence: Lagimodiere
The Manitoba government has introduced amendments to the Path to Reconciliation Act that would establish the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) as a key component of the government’s approach to advancing truth and reconciliation, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere announced today.
“It is necessary that Manitoba acknowledges the Calls for Justice within the Path to Reconciliation Act to shine further light on the importance of addressing the systemic causes of all forms of violence, including sexual violence, against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples,” said Lagimodiere. “Adding the calls to the act will better position work across all of government to advance healing and prevent future harm.”
The legislative amendments affirms the Manitoba government will be guided by the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG alongside the Calls of Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The minister thanked Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) for his recommendation the Manitoba government publicly affirm its commitment to the Calls for Action in its work on truth and reconciliation. The changes to the legislation were inspired by that recommendation, noted the minister.
“The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls resulted in a final report that provides Canadians with the framework and concrete steps we need to take collectively to address the issues that contribute to gender-based violence impacting Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people,” said Grand Chief Settee. “I honour the impacted families, survivors of gender-based violence, and Two Spirit and gender-diverse people for sharing their truths and commend the province for taking steps to incorporate a pathway for Reclaiming Power and Place. Transformative change is a journey we must all walk together, rooted in action and accountability. We are looking forward to working with the province in developing a distinctions-based action plan.”
On Dec. 8, 2015, the federal government announced the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The national inquiry released its final report on June 3, 2019, which included 231 calls for justice directed to governments, industries, institutions, service providers and Canadians.
Lagimodiere noted that addressing violence, in particular the incidences of MMIWG, is a priority for the Manitoba government and it intends to continue to take action to prevent and combat gender-based violence of all forms.
To learn more about Manitoba’s Reconciliation Strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/inr/reconciliation-strategy/index.html.
- 30 -