A northern Saskatchewan MP says the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has failed to live up to its promise to conduct three community hearings in the north.
Georgina Jolibois says there was a commitment from the inquiry to hold hearings in La Loche, La Ronge and Meadow Lake, but that was never followed through. Saskatoon hosted a hearing in November, but Jolibois says that some families could not afford to attend.
She says this decision leaves families disappointed.
“I don’t know what happened to their offer to hold three community meetings,” said Jolibois. “The families are disappointed. The families were looking forward to having these community meetings, so that they can voice their concerns and share their stories.”
Jolibois says she will continue to fight to get the community hearings restored, as the inquiry has an obligation to these families.
“The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry has an obligation to these families,” said Jolibois. “They said my riding would receive community visits.”
The inquiry has requested a two-year extension, yet Ottawa is still considering it.
A request to interview the federal department of Crown-Indigenous Relations was deferred to the inquiry. The inquiry has not returned requests for an interview.
(PHOTO: Georgina Jolibois. Photo courtesy of Georgina Jolibois, Facebook.)