QUESTION PERIOD — Human Rights
Involuntary Sterilization of Indigenous Women
December 12, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. The United Nations Committee Against Torture tasked the Canadian government to provide, by December 7, 2019, a report on the involuntary sterilization of Indigenous women. As you know, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights undertook a short study on the topic in the Forty-second Parliament, which should be revived in short order, and the subject was studied in the other place by the Standing Committee on Health.
In both instances, the testimony heard was alarming. Has the government met the December 7 deadline in submitting a report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture? Can the Leader of the Government inform the chamber of any other initiatives that the government has undertaken to resolve these human rights abuses?
Again, I thank the honourable senator for her question. I’m particularly grateful that she gave me notice so I could ensure an appropriate and adequate response.
In regard to the UN Committee Against Torture, Canada intends on providing a response to this matter. In the meantime, Canada’s new Advisory Committee on Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing is guiding a response to this issue, among other issues that are impacting Indigenous women and girls. The committee is comprised of all national Indigenous organizations, including women’s organizations.
To improve cultural safety and quality of service, the government has taken the following steps: To ensure an expecting First Nations or Inuit mother knows she is entitled to a travel companion through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program; investing in services to support healthy pregnancies and births in communities; and investing for the first time in midwifery in First Nations and Inuit communities. Collaboration is required between all orders of government and health and social system professionals to ensure culturally safe health services for all Indigenous women. And finally, individuals impacted by this issue requiring mental health or crisis support can contact the 24-7 Hope for Wellness Help Line and online chat.
Thank you, Senator Harder. Can you tell me when that report will be available and when they expect to have it finished?
My understanding is soon.
