National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls - The Québec government confirms its participation and full collaboration

QUÉBEC CITY, Aug. 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Québec government is responding to its commitment to the Indigenous peoples by allowing to the national inquiry to examine the situation in Québec.

The national inquiry is mandated to investigate missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada. In particular, it must investigate and report on the systematic causes of all forms of violence against indigenous women and girls in Canada. It must also make recommendations on practical, concrete measures to stem the abuse and violence of which indigenous women and girls are all too often the victims. The inquiry has a broad mandate and Québec is confident that it will shed light on the situation that Indigenous communities are facing.

"The action our government is taking today reflects the importance of this national inquiry and I am pleased to confirm that we will collaborate fully. By doing so, we will ensure that the inquiry focuses on the situation that Indigenous communities encounter with respect to Québec public services, particularly with police forces and health and social services as well as educational institutions. This inquiry is a key step to ensure the continuity of our ongoing reconciliation with Indigenous communities and I am convinced that by working together, we can improve their quality of life," Minister responsible for Native Affairs Geoffrey Kelley noted.

"Today's announcement confirms that the inquiry will examine the underlying causes of violence against indigenous women and girls in Québec and relations between Québec's Indigenous communities and public services, take stock of preventive measures and, subsequently, make recommendations to prevent and counter violence against indigenous women and girls and enhance the quality of relations between the Indigenous peoples and public service interveners. Lastly, we have ensured that Québec legislation, in particular the Charter of the French language, will be respected in conjunction with the inquiry's deliberations, because of participation by Québec institutions and organizations," Minister of Justice Stéphanie Vallée added.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls arises from the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, during which numerous families, organizations and Indigenous communities requested the implementation of such an initiative.

Sources:

Chantal Gauvin Press Officer Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs 418-643-3166

Nathalie Roberge Chief of Staff Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General 418-643-4210

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

Chantal Gauvin, Press Officer, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418-643-3166; Nathalie Roberge, Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, 418-643-4210