Harper Refuses Inquiry Into Missing Aboriginal Women

A Statement was made on Friday December 19th by the official opposition on Stephen Harper’s refusal to launch an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
Official Opposition Aboriginal Affairs critic Jean Crowder (Nanaimo – Cowichan) and Status of Women critic Niki Ashton (Churchill) made the following statement in a press release:
“In a recent year-end interview, the Prime Minister once again closed the door on an inquiry into the 1,200 Indigenous women that have gone missing or been murdered over the last 30 years. In doing so, he also sent a clear message to Aboriginal people that their concerns are not a priority for this government.”
The press release goes on to say, “What will it take to convince this government that something must be done? What is their reason for ignoring the voices of thousands, including Rinelle Harper, the young victim of a brutal attack this fall?”
“In Canada, Aboriginal women are seven times more likely to be murdered than non-Aboriginal women. This is unacceptable, and the Prime Minister needs to accept that this violence is systemic and we need to deal with the root causes.”
“I would ask that the Prime Minister listen to the families of the Missing and Murdered, to First Nations and Aboriginal leaders, to provincial and municipal governments and do right by announcing an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.”
“Too many lives have already been lost, and too many continue to be at stake.”
“It’s time for action and that includes an inquiry.”