QUESTION PERIOD — Indigenous and Northern Affairs
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
November 18, 2020
Honourable senators, my question is to the representative of the government in the Senate.
Senator Gold, it was good news that the government established 10 working groups to accelerate completing the national action plan on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I know you agree that action on the Calls for Justice of the inquiry is a crucial national priority 18 months after they were released.
However, it is concerning that some groups, including the Ontario Native Women’s Association, report being excluded from the development of the action plan, expressing concern that in developing the action plan the government must not take a limited, distinctions-based approach. What about the intersectionalities at play? ONWA noted that they saw evidence that other factors disproportionately impact Indigenous women, including disability, mental health and racialization.
Leader, November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month, and November 25 begins the Global 16 Days Campaign to end violence against women. As Senator McCallum stated earlier today, an estimated 30% of Indigenous people are living with a disability, 2.3 times the national average.
Will the government’s national action plan in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls address the needs and circumstances of Indigenous women and girls with disabilities, with action and resources to match, like a national awareness campaign, and funding for research needed on the extent and outcomes from targeting Indigenous women and girls living with disabilities for sexual abuse and violence?
Senator, thank you for raising this important aspect of the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.
I can confirm with you and the chamber that the national action plan, which the government continues to work on with provincial and territorial governments, as well as Indigenous leaders, survivors and families, will also address issues faced by Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people with disabilities.
Thank you for your advance notice of this question. I was able to inquire about the national awareness campaign and research funding. I have yet to receive a response. However, I can say broadly that the government is committed to taking disability-inclusive approaches to public policy issues — for example, creating the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group in April — that will guide the government’s emergency response and to ensure that Canadians with disabilities are both supported and empowered.
Senator Gold, given what you’ve just said to us in the chamber today, may I take it as a commitment that you will come back to the chamber with more information on research funding and a national awareness campaign?
You have my commitment that as soon as I receive the information I have requested, I will share it with the chamber at the first opportunity.
