OPSEU calls for national public inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) calls for an immediate national public inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.

OPSEU joins the National Public General Employees Union (NUPGE) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in demanding action on this urgent issue.

"It is time for Prime Minister Harper and his government to take responsibility and acknowledge the systemic problems faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Canadians deserve decisive action beginning with an immediate national public inquiry that looks at the root causes leading to so many tragic deaths and disappearances," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

"This is a national tragedy with deep roots," said Thomas. "It is time to do due diligence and offer Canada's Aboriginal Peoples the respect they deserve."

"The recent death of 15 year old Tina Fontaine is shocking to all of us. And what is happening to Aboriginal women and girls directly affects many OPSEU members, staff, and their families," said Thomas.

OPSEU stands in solidarity with all Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, and particularly the many Aboriginal women and girls who struggle daily with the threat of violence.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President: 866/264-4982, [email protected]; Jeff Arbus, OPSEU Executive Board Member: 1-705-255-0751, [email protected]; Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications: 416-557-7936, [email protected]