The leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) promised to undo what he calls an “underlying attitude of racism” that has prevented a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women. Several groups have demanded an inquiry into the nearly 1,200 women who have vanished or been murdered since 1980. The Canadian government has repeatedly refused to hold one saying there have already been several studies of the issue.
There is currently an election campaign and NDP leader Tom Mulcair unveiled new measures he would take if elected to curb violence against aboriginal women. They would include restoring a shelter enhancement program that was scrapped by the Conservative government.
Mulcair also promised to work with women’s groups, indigenous peoples, communities and organizations to create a national action plan to end violence against women and girls.
The NDP leader has already promised a public inquiry but today pledged to launch it within his first 100 days in office.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.