The federal government is giving the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls an extension to the end of 2018 to continue to gather evidence and hear from witnesses.
This represents a six-month extension for the inquiry, which requested a further two years to complete its work.
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett says there was not much support from families of survivors, Indigenous organizations and other governments to extend the inquiry’s work beyond the next federal election.
“Based on those discussions, we found support for giving the inquiry more time to submit its final report, but little support for the commission’s mandate to extend beyond the next election,” Bennett said.
“This approach acknowledges that there are more survivors and family members that want to share their experiences. However, it also underscores the urgency this government places on seeing the commission deliver concrete recommendations that will address the systemic and institutional issues to help Indigenous women and girls be safe.”
The inquiry was given until the end of April to submit its final report, up from the initial deadline of Nov. 1, 2018. It will also have until June 30, 2019 to complete all of its operations.
“That means they can continue to gather evidence, hear testimony and subpoenas for the remainder of the year, rather than having to stop all these activities and write their report,” Bennett explained.
The inquiry had also requested a further $50 million, a near 100 per cent increase from its original budget of $54 million. Ottawa has not decided how much more money it will give the inquiry, wanting to work with them on their budgetary needs.
In implementing some of the recommendations from the interim report, the federal government will allocate up to $21.3 million over three years for cultural mental health and emotional support for those who attended hearings. This money will be administered by community organizations with mental health expertise and not the inquiry.
An additional $10 million will go to Indigenous organizations for commemoration activities.
(PHOTO: Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett and Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear. File photo.)