QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
June 3, 2019
Leader, General Roméo Dallaire condemned the use of the word “genocide” in the report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. No one would challenge his expertise on that score. Former Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt called it a sham. The use of the word “genocide” has been called inappropriate by a number of commentators across the country, including Yves Boisvert of La Presse in Montreal, who said it was a biased twisting of words that undermines the credibility of the inquiry.
The Prime Minister avoided using the word “genocide” in his speech at the closing ceremony where the report was presented. Leader, when can we expect the Prime Minister to announce whether he agrees with or condemns the use of the word “genocide,” which appears more than 200 times in the report?
I thank the honourable senator for his question. He will know, because I’m sure he’s read the Truth and Reconciliation report, that it references what they term cultural genocide to describe the treatment of Indigenous peoples.
I think it’s important that we read the report that was tabled today before we draw conclusions or condemn language that is used.
With respect to the former Minister Valcourt — who I should add was the first minister for whom I was a deputy minister 29 years ago and I thought he was an excellent minister — he probably could have used some deputy minister advice yesterday.
