Trudeau promise tracker: Liberals launch inquiry into missing and murdered

Speaking to an Assembly of First Nations (AFN) special chiefs gathering in Gatineau, Quebec, the Liberal leader announced that his government had begun the process to create the long-awaited national inquiry into the almost 1,200 indigenous women and girls who have been murdered or who have gone missing in Canada over the past three decades.

“My reaction initially was, I was quite emotional watching the press release because I think it just brings to surface numerous kind of emotions we have when we have a missing and murdered love one, but also very, very excited at the same time because this inquiry is going to bring healing, it’s going to bring wellness and it’s going to move too some concrete action plans as well for the future in terms of violence against violence against indigenous women but sad because we have so many missing and murdered indigenous women”, she told 660 NEWS.

Former Prime Minister Harper refused to allow for a probe into their deaths, despite renewed calls following the report.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will publicly put his commitment to resolving aboriginal issues at the top of his priority list in the coming days as he meets with indigenous leaders and delivers some high-profile speeches.

“I promise you that I will be your partner in the years to come, and hope that you will be mine”, Trudeau said.

“What’s needed is nothing less than a total renewal of the relationship between Canada and First Nations peoples”, he said. “The victims deserve justice, their families an opportunity to heal, and to be heard”, said Trudeau.

With traditional drumming and chanting, the chiefs here honoured the presence of the new prime minister.

“I know that renewing our relationship is an ambitious goal, but I am equally certain that it is one we can, and will, achieve if we work together”.

The cap on funding for education, health care and other programs has been criticized for not keeping pace with inflation. Some 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children were taken from their families and forced to attend government schools over much of the last century. He said the new approach must also by guided by the “spirit and intent” of original treaties so that inherent rights are respected.

“We recognize that a number of factors, like racism, marginalization, sexism, and poverty have contributed to the ongoing tragedy of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls”, said the Minister of the Status of Women, Patty Hajdu.

Be proactive – Use the “Flag as Inappropriate” link at the upper right corner of each comment to let us know of abusive posts. We commend the Liberal government, Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Bennett for holding true to their promise to address this Canada-wide issue.