The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is asking the federal government for a two-year extension.
On Tuesday, the inquiry announced it had made a formal request to Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, to continue working through to December 31, 2020. The inquiry's current deadline is December 31 of this year.
“The Commissioners and I firmly believe that an additional two years is required to do justice to our critically important mandate for the safety and security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ people,” Chief Commissioner Marion Buller stated Tuesday.
“The response from families, survivors and Indigenous communities has been overwhelming, and we have a sacred responsibility to them to continue moving forward.”
Commissioners say an extension will allow them to hear more from 2SLGBTQ people, as well as women and girls who are homeless, incarcerated and trafficked.
More time would also enable the commissioners to hold more expert hearings on issues such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and Indigenous women and girls experiences the healthcare system.