Appearance before the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA) Call for Justice 1.7 (September 24, 2024)

Table of contents

1. Scenario Note

Logistics

Date: Tuesday, September 24th (9:00 am—11:00 am)
Location: Room C128, Senate of Canada Building

Witnesses:

(First Panel, 9:00-10:00am)

  • Jennifer Moore Rattray, Ministerial Special Representative

(Second Panel, 10:00-11:00am)

  • Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC):
    • Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister
    • Krista Apse, Director General, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Secretariat

Study Context

On March 28, 2023, APPA began its study on the Canadian Human Rights Framework. This study has focused on the Call for Justice 1.7 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), which states:

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson, with authority in all jurisdictions, and to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Tribunal. The ombudsperson and tribunal must be independent of governments and have the authority to receive complaints from Indigenous individuals as well as Indigenous communities in relation to Indigenous and human rights violations, and to conduct thorough and independent evaluations of government services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and communities to determine compliance with human and Indigenous rights laws. The ombudsperson and the tribunal must be given sufficient resources to fulfill their mandates and must be permanent.

On June 13, 2024, Ministerial Special Representative Jennifer Moore Rattray released the Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report. The Final Report included key insights from Indigenous participants and recommendations on how to move forward with creating a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson as well as a National Indigenous and Human Rights Tribunal. The recommendations focused on the following eleven broad categories: a national and regional scope; establishing the foundations; supporting choice; the appointment process; a mandate that supports justice; ombuds responsibilities, powers, and independence; reflecting on governance; resourcing for success; welcoming our relatives; hiring and staffing; and transparency and reporting to support transformation. The Final Report also including a suggested timeframe for moving forward, which ended with having national and regional offices staffed and opened by December 31, 2025.

Thus far, the following individuals and organizations have appeared on this topic:

  • February 13, 2024
    • Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
  • December 6, 2023
    • Assembly of First Nations
    • Métis National Council
    • CIRNAC — DM Valerie Gideon and officials
  • November 28, 2023
    • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
    • Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
    • Robert Morales
    • Katherine Hensel
  • November 22, 2023
    • The Native Women's Shelter of Montreal
    • First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada
    • Indigenous Bar Association
    • Heiltsuk Nation
    • Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation
  • November 21, 2023
    • Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council
    • Nunavut Legal Aid
  • November 8, 2023
    • Anemki Wedom
  • October 31, 2023
    • Piikani Nation
    • Siksika Nation
    • Manitoba Métis Federation
    • Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and Cree Nation Government
  • May 3, 2023
    • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
    • Dalee Sambo Dorough
  • May 2, 2023
    • Jeremy Matson
  • April 25, 2023
    • CIRNAC — Jennifer Moore Rattray, Ministerial Special Representative—Call for Justice 1.7
    • Canadian Human Rights Commission
  • April 19, 2023
    • Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
    • British Colombia Human Rights Tribunal
    • Ontario Human Rights Commission
    • Alberta Human Rights Commission
  • March 28, 2023
    • Brenda Gunn
    • Naiomi Metallic
    • Women's Legal Education and Action Fund

Committee Membership and Potential Lines of Questioning:

Senate committees are generally less partisan than House of Commons Standing Committees, however, it should be noted that the Senators on this Committee tend to ask detailed questions, that often result in follow-ups.

During the meetings on this study, Senators asked questions regarding some of the following topics and themes:

Senator Francis (PSG): asked if the current Canadian Human Rights Tribunal framework could be adapted to suit the Call for Justice and how a new tribunal would interact with existing bodies. For the new tribunal, his questions have focused on best practices, working with other jurisdictions, protecting the security of a person, mandates and framework, using UNDRIP and Indigenous laws as guidance, using legally binding compliance orders and sanctions, and drawing on community expertise, Elders, and restorative justice. He has also asked whether Indigenous people need access to free legal representation and culturally appropriate support to file a complaint with the tribunal.

Senator White (PSG): asked how to create an Indigenous human rights tribunal that reflects cultural values.

Senator Arnot (ISG): focused his questions on how to prevent adopting models that recreate colonial practices, including questioning whether litigation or mediation methods are better, and noting a need for the offices to be independent and to render binding rulings. He also asked about taking a distinctions-based approach, dealing with the lack of awareness about using human rights tribunals as a form of recourse, and minimizing resistance to two offices. He may also ask about other Calls for Justice, including the creation of a Red Dress Alert.

Senator Coyle (ISG): asked broad range of questions: related to lessons learned from other countries, reducing jurisdictional challenges, specialized training for human rights commissioners, the impact on Indigenous communities, dealing with systemic human rights violations and challenges, and how to set the two offices up for success. She has also asked about the offices having co-accountability and accessibility mechanisms, having an Indigenous centre of expertise, reporting to the federal and Indigenous governments, and reflecting the diversity of Indigenous culture, laws, and traditions.

Senator Greenwood (ISG): may ask about other Calls for Justice, including making Indigenous languages into official languages.

Senator Hartling (ISG): asked about international framework examples, as well as setting up the ombudsperson and tribunal to be culturally safe and trauma informed.

Senator Sorenson (ISG): asked about the powers and jurisdictional authority over First Nations communities for both offices. She also asked how the ombudsperson can hold the Government accountable, and how it can help to address diversity, education, healthcare, and housing challenges for Indigenous communities.

Senator Prosper (CSG): asked for international examples to look to, as well as metrics and indicators that the Indigenous Tribunal were successful. He has also asked questions about the tribunal related to jurisdictional issues, the relation to national institutions, ensuring that it is culturally appropriate, and addressing the role of racism and Indigenous identity in the human rights process.

Senator Martin (C): asked how to navigate jurisdictional issues for the two offices and how to make the offices accessible for rural communities. She also asked about the criteria for selecting an

Previous Appearances:

  • April 10, 2024: CIRNAC officials and Minister Anandasangaree on Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation
  • February 28, 2024: CIRNAC officials on examining the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, 2021
  • December 6, 2023: CIRNAC officials on the Canadian Human Rights Framework
    • During this meeting, CIRNAC received one follow-up related to the Canada, U.S.A, and Mexico Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls
  • November 29, 2023: ISC officials on APPA's Fourteenth Report, Honouring the Children Who Never Came Home: Truth, Education and Reconciliation, and the records related to residential schools that have not yet been remitted to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • October 2023: CIRNAC officials, including the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations on consideration and clause-by-clause of Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation
  • September 19, 2023: CIRNAC Officials on APPA's Fourteenth Report, Honouring the Children Who Never Came Home: Truth, Education and Reconciliation.

In the Media:

Meeting Proceedings

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. The Chair will then introduce the witnesses and provide the opportunity to deliver opening remarks (5 minutes). This will be followed by a Q&A period.

Currently, APPA does not have a predetermined sequence on the order of questioning based on political parties. The Chair decides who to call to ask questions during the meeting. The Chair will usually say how long each member will have just before the start of the time for questions, typically 5 minutes. APPA often may not have full member attendance which can result in Senators having a second round of questioning.

It is recommended that all speakers speak slowly and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters. All witnesses are asked to mute their microphones unless they are speaking.

While simultaneous translation will be available, witnesses are asked to respond to questions in either English or French, but to limit switching back and forth between languages as this often creates technology/interpretation challenges. The meeting can be watched via SenParlvVU, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the field.

2. Opening Remarks

Kwe kwe, Ullukkut [Ood-loo-koot], Tansi, Hello, Bonjour.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that we are meeting today on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people.

Mister Chair, Honourable Committee members, thank you for this opportunity.

I would like to begin by thanking the former Ministerial Special Representative for her work on this issue. Ms. Moore Rattray's report is compelling and comprehensive. She emphasizes the need for action and accountability as it pertains to the implementation of Call for Justice 1.7, specifically the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson.

We must recognize that establishing a new accountability mechanism may also require additional policy, legislative, and funding authorities. This is being fully assessed now, while continuing conversations with partners on their perspectives.

I would like to bring the members of this committee up to date on the work done by the government, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, to implement programs and create supports that will end violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people.

On June 3 of each year since 2021, the government publishes an annual update on the work it has completed to advance its commitments made in the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

This year's report shows progress on the Government of Canada's National Action Plan and the National Inquiry's 231 Calls for Justice to help end this crisis. It specifically shows that targeted investments have been made that have helped advance approximately three quarters of the Calls for Justice to date.

These include funding 47 emergency shelters and transitional housing projects and creating 380 units within First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous urban communities across Canada.

We have also supported Indigenous communities in completing 52 projects to improve community safety and well-being, such as the Red Eagle Lodge in Saskatoon. This culturally safe space provides services for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people to help in healing from trauma and addiction.

We have also been able to deliver reliable Internet to over 3,000 Indigenous households which means more tools for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people can access more help in moments of danger.

And earlier this year, Budget 2024 provided $1.3 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to co-develop with Indigenous partners, a regional pilot for a Red Dress Alert system. An alerting system like this has the power to help ensure that when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing, they return home safely.

This initiative was prioritized as a subject of discussion during the second National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ People that took place in February this past year.

That meeting brought together more than 230 participants from Indigenous organizations and federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It yielded productive discussions not only on the Red Dress Alert, but also on the recommendations of Ms. Moore Rattray on an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson, as well as provincial and territorial approaches to oversight and monitoring of Calls for Justice implementation.

I am pleased to report that plans are already underway for the third National Roundtable, which will be held in early 2025, and at which I expect more progress will be made.

Mister Chair, we know that there is much more work to be done to put an end to this national crisis.

The Government of Canada is working alongside partners in Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations, as well as with provincial and territorial governments, to respond to the Calls for Justice and deliver programs, policies, and legislation to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

This crisis will only be over when every Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse person in Canada is safe, honoured, and free from violence.

Meegwetch. Qujannamiik [Koo-ya-na-meek]. Marsee. Thank you. Merci.

3. MSR Final Report

Call for Justice 1.7 Final Report

4. Overview of the Final Report on Call for Justice 1.7

The overarching recommendations of the Ministerial Special Representative (MSR) call for the establishment of four national (one First Nations, one Inuit, one Metis and one Urban Indigenous) and thirteen regional-level Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons who would be established through federal legislation. The Ombudspersons would have jurisdiction over federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations.

The Ombudspersons would focus on Indigenous rights violations and "should triage, navigate, investigate, mediate, monitor, protect and promote rights. "They should also "recommend changes to legislation, policy, practice, procedure, and/or other corrective actions or prevent future rights violations."

A major component of the report is choice for complainants: when a complainant comes forward, the Ombudspersons' office would make the complainant aware of all the options at both the federal and provincial or territorial level and, the complainant would then be able to make the best choice for themselves, with the option to turn to others at a later date, if needed.

The Ombudspersons would have powers to investigate complaints, and enforcement if recommendations are not acted upon. The Ombudspersons should also have "own motion" powers, so they can be proactive and examine systemic issues before they become a crisis and issue penalties.

The National Ombudspersons would be responsible for annual reporting to Indigenous leadership and rights bodies, the Auditor General and Parliament. In addition, they should produce an annual plain language report card and hold annual Accountability Forums.

The Ombudspersons should have strong investigative powers, including the power to include the production of records, including the power to compel the production of records that are otherwise not releasable under the Access to Information and Privacy Act.

The MSR also recommends the creation of councils and advisory circles including:

The National and regional offices should include an Indigenous MMIWG2S+ Senior Specialist and a 2SLGBTQI+ Senior Specialist, who will use Indigenous dispute resolution models and "focus on improving the criminal justice system's response to MMIWG2S+ cases".

The report recommends that accountability and reporting on Call for Justice 1.10 (on oversight) be included within the mandate of the national Indigenous and Human Rights Office. The report also suggests that future UNDA reporting could also be incorporated into this office.

The process to establish the National and Regional Ombudspersons is set out as follows:

The report calls for the following implementation timelines:

The MSR advocates for adequate and permanent funding for the National and Regional offices that would likely fall to the federal government. There is no estimated budget amount in the report, but the following components are recommended to be part of the funding:

5. Summary of Call for Justice 1.7 Partner Engagement and Analysis of Partner Input on MSR Report

Summary

The MMIWG Secretariat (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada) shared the report via email with the national organizations that the MSR met with, including: the National 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee, the Urban MMIWG Action Group, the Native Women's Association of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, Infinity Women, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, 2 Spirits in Motion Society and the National Association of Friendship Centers. It was also shared with the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Working Group on MMIWG and the Director General Steering Committee on MMIWG. Further to this circulation, MMIWG Secretariat also sent the final report to other government departments, provinces and territories and partners who participated in the Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial roundtable.

Letters were sent by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations directly to the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council, members of the Intergovernmental Leaders Forum, and the National Family and Survivors Circle to share the MSR's final report. This was at the recommendation of the MSR.

Overall, of the seven organizations that provided input, the biggest theme was engagement: the desire for ongoing engagement.

Specific comments on the report from individual organizations included that an urban ombuds was not needed, uncertainty about which ombuds would apply to an urban First Nation community, if a fifth one for self-governing groups was needed, the Ombuds should have investigatory authority over all federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and, if one ombuds was established they should have assistants who represent First Nation, Inuit and Métis.

One organization expressed concerns with the report's lack of a clear outline of what the offices, staff, or Ombuds will look like and that there were no specific strategies for the immediate protection and support of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people or plans for collaboration with existing groups.

Outside of the report, one partner pressed for continued progress on the Calls for Justice and another did not support combining CFJ 1.10 and 1.7.

6. Summary Table on MSR Report Analysis

Recommendations as quotes

  1. Indigenous Engagement and Ombudspersons
    • "Indigenous engagement participants developed the concept of four National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons, one First Nations, one Inuit, one Métis, and one urban Indigenous."
    • "Further, there must be regional offices in each province and territory led by a Regional Ombudsperson. These 13 offices will ensure that the regional diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, languages, customs, practices, protocols, and legal traditions throughout Canada are reflected."

Citation: Pg. 20 and 23-24
Considerations: This has significant resource implications (staffing, building space, training, etc.), which will need to be fully costed with supporting rationale.
Current Status: Analysis in progress.

  1. Compulsion of Records
    • "This includes the power to compel the production of records, including records that are otherwise not releasable under access to information legislation."

Citation: Pg. 24
Considerations: Most federal ombuds lack the power to compel the production of records.
Current Status: Further analysis required.

  1. Enforcement Powers
    • "The Ombudspersons must have strong enforcement powers to compel witnesses and documents or records, including making it an offense to obstruct, with penalties for non-compliance."

Citation: Pg. 24
Considerations: Currently, most of the federal ombudspersons do not have this power. Agents and Officers of Parliament typically do have these powers, as well as courts.
Current Status: Further analysis required.

  1. Budgetary Independence
    • "Budgetary independence from the executive branch of government is to be assured by the Ombudspersons presenting their budget request to a Parliamentary Committee each fall for the following fiscal year. The Parliamentary Committee shall publish a report with the recommended budget and the Minister of Finance shall provide for that amount in the subsequent budget."

Citation: Pg. 26
Considerations: Further research is needed to determine if and how this could align with the federal budgetary and appropriations processes.
Current Status: Further analysis required.

  1. Functions of Ombudspersons
    • "The Ombudspersons should triage, navigate, investigate, mediate, monitor, protect and promote rights and as required recommend changes to legislation, policy, practice, procedure, and/or other corrective actions to prevent future rights violations. Transformational change will require a whole-of-government approach by all federal departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and other bodies including any parent Crown Corporation."
    • "The National and Regional Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons shall have jurisdiction over all federal departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and other bodies including any parent Crown Corporation, and any wholly-owned subsidiary of such a corporation, within the meaning of section 83 of the Financial Administration Act."
    • "Annual and special reports should be referred to the United Nations..."

Citation: Pg. 23, Pg. 21 and Pg. 29
Considerations: Early analysis shows that this has wide jurisdictional implications and would create an ombuds office with a mandate that is wider than any that exists at the federal level.
Current Status: Further research required in collaboration with OGDs.

  1. Collaboration with Provinces and Territories
    • "Following successful implementation of the National and Regional Ombuds Offices related to federal jurisdiction, the federal, provincial, and territorial governments are encouraged to work together in the spirit and intent of Call for Justice 1.7 to coordinate alternative options for corresponding provincial and territorial action…"

Citation: Pg. 21
Considerations: The report recommends two options for the Provinces and Territories to collaborate on CFJ 1.7. The first is the creation of information-sharing agreements between provincial and territorial ombudspersons and the Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons to ensure that Indigenous people are supported through the connections between mechanisms so that a 'no wrong door' service is available to Indigenous people. The second possibility was the establishment of a dedicated Deputy Indigenous Ombudsperson in the provincial ombudspersons' offices that have not yet already done so.
Current Status: The analysis indicated that each option has significant resource requirements attached to it. Additional analysis is required for both proposed options.

  1. Selection Process
    • "The selection body will recommend four people, one for each of the four positions, and an all-party committee of Parliament will recommend to Parliament that the individuals be appointed by resolution of the House of Commons."

Citation: Pg. 22
Considerations: Most federal ombudspersons are appointed as Special Advisors to a Minister under the Public Service Employment Act and through an Order-in-Council. There are also agents of Parliament, which are Governor in Council appointments and are approved by one or both of the Houses of Parliament. They are also appointed through an Order-in-Council.
Current Status: Further research required.

  1. Referral to Tribunal
    • "In a latter phase when the [National Indigenous and Human Rights] Tribunal is established, matters that the Ombudspersons are not able to resolve in an appropriate amount of time should be referred to a Tribunal, that would include binding orders such as costs against governments."

Citation: Pg. 23
Considerations: Accountability was one of the main concerns in the MSR's report.
Current Status: Further research required.

  1. Annual Reporting on Calls for Justice
    • "Call for Justice 1.10 can be placed within the accountability mandate of the National Indigenous and Human Rights Office and the office can report annually to Parliament on the implementation of the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice."
    • "Future UNDA reporting could be incorporated within the mandate of the National Indigenous and Human Rights Office with the office reporting annually to Parliament on the implementation of the federal act and action plan."

Citation: Pg. 23
Considerations: The 19th measure of the UNDA Action plan is particularly relevant to the establishment of the Ombudsperson and Tribunal: Establish an independent Indigenous rights monitoring, oversight, recourse or remedy mechanism or mechanisms to provide Indigenous peoples with access to and prompt decision through just and fair procedures for dispute and conflict resolution and effective remedies for infringements/violations of their individual and collective rights.
Current Status: Further analysis to be conducted. Initial outreach with Department of Justice has occurred.

  1. Funding Requirements
    • "The National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudspersons and Office must be appropriately resourced with adequate and permanent funding, recognizing historic and ongoing systemic discrimination in funding and as per Calls for Justice 1.7 and 1.3. Permanent means ongoing and in perpetuity, and not time limited."

Citation: Pg. 26
Considerations: This has significant resource implications (staffing, building space, training, etc.), which will need to be fully costed with supporting rationale.
Current Status: Further analysis and extensive costing required.

7. Questions and Answers

Q1. What is the Government doing to respond to the Calls for Justice?

A1. The National Inquiry's 231 Calls for Justice call upon the whole of Canadian society, including the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, Indigenous governments, industries, service providers, and all Canadians to take action to make the systemic changes needed to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

As part of the Federal Pathway, over 20 federal departments and agencies are working towards implementing the Calls for Justice where the federal government has a role.

The Annual Progress Report, released annually on June 3, provides a snapshot of the progress made and the linkages to the Calls for Justice. The 2024 progress report contains updates on nearly 100 federal initiatives. To date, the Government of Canada is working towards responding to approximately three quarters of the Calls for Justice within federal jurisdiction. This includes the work to address Calls for Justice 1.10 and 1.7

CIRNAC coordinates the work of federal departments and agencies - and facilitates collaboration with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners - to advance work on the Calls for Justice and implement the Federal Pathway.

Q2. What is the Government doing to implement Call for Justice 1.10?

A2. On Call for Justice 1.10, the creation of an oversight mechanism on all of the Calls for Justice, the Government of Canada has engaged with Indigenous partners, families, and survivors on oversight, and contracted an Indigenous firm, which continued this engagement to inform the development of recommendations for the creation of an oversight mechanism.

The final report on this engagement has been shared with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Government of Canada is working towards identifying next steps, including potential alignment with Call for Justice 1.7.

Q3. What is the Government doing to implement Call for Justice 1.7?

A3. CIRNAC has been moving forward on Call for Justice 1.7, which calls for the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and Tribunal.

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations appointed a Ministerial Special Representative (MSR), Jennifer Moore Rattray, to provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson in January 2023.

The Ministerial Special Representative provided her final report in early 2024 and it has been published online. The Government of Canada is currently exploring next steps related to Call for Justice 1.7, which includes seeking feedback from partners on the final report and conducting policy analysis.

Q4. What are you learning from your discussions with Provinces and Territories regarding the roles and responsibilities of ombudspeople?

A4. While the Final Report of the MSR was shared with provinces and territories, it mainly focusses on federal jurisdiction. In addition, the Departments is in the process of conducting policy analysis and research on the MSR's report.

Initial findings from this research shows that provincial and territorial ombudspersons have the mandate to investigate decisions and recommendations made to a Minister, administrative acts by departments and agencies, and the performance of their officials. Requests are submitted in writing to the office of the ombudsperson, who then reviews the request and makes a decision whether to investigate or refuse the request.

Each Act identifies the exceptions to which organizations and individuals can be investigate, such as courts, and legal proceedings (tribunal, arbitration, individual legal professional involved a proceeding). There are a few other exceptions that are jurisdiction specific.

Both Yukon and the Northwest Territories specify that a municipality or Aboriginal government may refer an administrative matter to the Ombud for investigation and report.

The Final Report was also shared with Indigenous partners. Overall, of the Indigenous organizations that provided input, the biggest theme was engagement: the desire for ongoing engagement (and concerns about not being engaged by the Department).

Specific comments from Indigenous partners on the report (from individual organizations) included: that an urban ombuds was not needed; uncertainty about which ombuds would apply to an urban First Nation community; if a fifth one for self-governing groups was needed; the Ombuds should have investigatory authority over all federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments; and, if one ombuds was established they should have assistants who represent First Nation, Inuit and Métis.

One organization expressed concerns with the report's lack of a clear outline of what the offices, staff, or Ombuds will look like and that there were no specific strategies for the immediate protection and support of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people or plans for collaboration with existing groups.

As the policy analysis progress, the Department will continue to engage with partners.

Q5. Do you have any reflections regarding the lack of services or supports to Indigenous women offered in communities?

A5. Indigenous Services Canada continues to prioritize the social and economic well-being of Indigenous women by implementing initiatives that address the challenges they face. These efforts are aligned with the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and are monitored through the Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report.

  • Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Health Systems: As of December 2023, Indigenous Services Canada provided funding for 95 Indigenous communities and organizations to implement midwifery projects through the Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada's Health Systems Initiative
  • Bill-S3: Indigenous Services Canada is overseeing the implementation of Bill S-3 which ensures that Indigenous women and their descendants are entitled to be registered and able to seek band membership. As a result of the implementation of Bill S-3, in 2023-24, Indigenous Services Canada enabled 12,141 people to obtain Indian Status. This raises the total number of people who have obtained Indian Status through this program to 52,747.
  • Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy: Indigenous Services Canada has spent a total of $65.2 million in 2023-24. This includes including $5.4 million to start up initial operations, and $16.3 million in project development costs. In 2023-24, 15 new projects (eight shelters and seven transitional housing) were selected for funding, bringing the total number of selected projects to 47 (25 shelters and 22 transitional housing). A further $43.5 million was provided to support the delivery of violence prevention services by and for Indigenous communities.
  • Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Program: The Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative has continued to implement its activities including the:
    • Grant and mentorship program, which by the end of 2024, will have supported an estimated 280 mentees with $1.12 million in funding and 15 participating Indigenous Financial Institutions.
    • Microloans, with over 250 loans valued at over $5 million in 2023-24.
    • Workshops covering a range of topics including writing business proposals and application training, management and organization tools and computer training with National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association delivering over 150 workshops with over 2500 participants in 2023-24.
  • Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative: In 2023-24, the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative provided $28 million in funding to 52 community safety and well-being projects, including 37 First Nations organizations, five Inuit organizations, two Métis organizations, and eight urban Indigenous organizations.

Indigenous Services Canada collaborates with Indigenous communities through ongoing dialogue and partnerships to identify specific gaps and service needs. By leveraging community insights and expertise, they co-develop tailored solutions that enhance access to essential services and support sustainable development.

Q6. What are your thoughts on the main reasons why Indigenous women and girls continue to go missing? What are potential solutions which can be afforded by an Ombudsperson for Indigenous and Human Rights?

A6. Colonialism, racism, sexism and ableism and economic inequality have created systemic inequities for Indigenous Peoples, which have threatened to extinguish Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional practices. All these issues have directly impacted the rightful power and place of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and contributed to the ongoing violence against Indigenous women and girls. Long-term, sustained efforts are required to address this national tragedy in a comprehensive and meaningful way.

Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people remains a priority for the Government of Canada. We have been actively working with partners over the past few years to make tangible progress.

The Calls for Justice identify concrete opportunities to address the root causes of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people and gender-based violence, both upstream and downstream. Addressing this national crisis requires continued action towards improving access to housing, substance abuse and wellness treatment, education and financial literacy; it also requires a societal shift to eliminate systemic racism and gender-based violence in areas like health care, law enforcement and policing, and education. The magnitude of these underlying causes requires cooperation across all levels of government, and the support of grassroots organizations.

Accountability is an important element to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people and a potential ombudsperson is an important tool in supporting increased accountability.

Q7. What would be the main roles and responsibilities you can see offered by a federal Ombudsperson on Indigenous and Human Rights?

A7. The Department is reviewing the final report of the Ministerial Special Representative and exploring a wide variety of policy considerations related to the recommendations. At this point, it is too early for the Department to postulate on the roles and responsibilities. Further understanding of the recommendations and discussions with partners are required to further unpack this issue in a meaningful way.

Q8. What have you learned about the relationship between the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime and a new position on Indigenous and Human Rights?

A8. The Department is reviewing the final report of the Ministerial Special Representative and is also researching policy considerations related to the recommendations.

This includes looking into the work of existing federal ombuds, such as the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, whose mandate includes promoting victims' access to existing federal victims programs and services and to address to address complaints about compliance with the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that apply to victims of crimes committed by offenders under federal jurisdiction.

Any mechanism that is put in place would need to be coordinated with existing accountability entities (including existing ombuds) in order to ensure that there is no overlap.

8. Progress on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Calls for Justice

Key Messages

  • The National Inquiry's 231 Calls for Justice call upon the whole of Canadian society, including the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, Indigenous governments, industries, service providers, and all Canadians to take action to make the systemic changes needed to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • As part of the Federal Pathway, over 20 federal departments and agencies are working towards implementing the Calls for Justice where the federal government has a role. The Annual Progress Report, released annually on June 3, provides a snapshot of the progress made and the linkages to the Calls for Justice. The Federal Pathway is a living document that will adapt over time.
  • CIRNAC coordinates the work of federal departments and agencies, and facilitates collaboration with Indigenous provincial, and territorial partners to advance work on the Calls for Justice and implement the Federal Pathway. In addition, the federal government is focusing on advancing two critical Calls for Justice on oversight and accountability, 1.10 and 1.7, as well as exploring options for a Red Dress Alert.

a. National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway

  • On June 3rd 2019, the National Inquiry released its final report and 231 Calls for Justice. In response, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan (National Action Plan) was released on June 3, 2021 by Indigenous partners and provincial, territorial and federal governments. The National Action Plan is an overarching plan, with a series of contributing partner chapters, which identifies the priorities and immediate next steps to be taken by all orders of government, organizations, and communities across the country to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People (Federal Pathway), is the federal government's contribution to the National Action Plan. It contains approximately 85 initiatives that are aimed at ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • CIRNAC is leading or co-leading on a number of programs that are supporting improvements in areas linked to the Calls for Justice, for instance:
    • The Support for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations program partially responds to Call for Justice 1.8, which calls upon governments to support national, regional, and local Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations.
    • The Indigenous Led Data Research Projects Program/ National Indigenous Data Advisory Group on MMIWG2S+ programs support Calls for Justice 5.24, 16.44, 17.2, 18.4, which call for enhancement of research, data collection and monitoring related to MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+people.
    • Budget 2022 announcements on housing support address Calls for Justice on housing and infrastructure, such as those on Inuit Housing (Calls for Justice 4.1, 4.6, 16.19, 18.25), Métis Housing (CFJs 4.1, 4.6, 16.19, 18.25), Self-Governing and Modern Treaty First Nations Housing (Calls for Justice 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 16.19, 18.25) and Affordable Housing in the North (Calls for Justice 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 12.4, 16.1, 16.18, 16.19, 18.25).
    • Effective implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, with support for the capacity development for Indigenous partners to continue to collaborate on the implementation of the Act, including the development, implementation and monitoring of an action plan. This initiative is led by Justice Canada, with CIRNAC support and is linked to Calls for Justice 1 .2roman numeral 5, 1.7, 2.1, 3.1, and 16.43 (related to Indigenous rights, human rights and wellbeing).
  • Through these initiatives and others from across the federal government that address the Calls for Justice, concrete progress is being made for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people in areas such as shelters and housing, education, health care, and wellbeing.

b. Reporting/Results/Indicators and Alignment with Other Plans, Strategies and OGD Work

  • The Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report is a progress update on the federal government's commitments in the National Action Plan and the corresponding Calls for Justice, published yearly on June 3rd.
  • The Horizontal Initiative Results Framework on MMIWG is a whole-of-government document designed to monitor progress and accountability. It shows combined expenditures, outcomes, and reports to parliamentarians and Canadians.
  • CIRNAC will be reporting in the 2024-25 Departmental Results Report on the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls family members and survivors who have received supports from a culturally-relevant provider for their healing journey.
  • The Federal Pathway aligns with other national plans and strategies, including the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy, the Indigenous Justice Strategy, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.

c. CIRNAC MMIWG Secretariat

  • Budget 2021 provided support for the establishment of the MMIWG Secretariat ($16M over 6 years), which:
    • leads the coordination of the Government of Canada's efforts to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people, including the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Federal Pathway;
    • engages with Indigenous partners on addressing MMIWG;
    • manages the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors Program, the Indigenous-Led Data Program, provides support to the National Family and Survivors Circle, and supports Indigenous partners participation in discussions on the implementation of the National Action Plan; and,
    • provides policy direction, development and implementation on issues related to the National Action Plan and Federal Pathway.
  • CIRNAC is making progress on Call for Justice 1.7, which calls for an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and Tribunal. In January 2023, Jennifer Moore Rattray was appointed as the Ministerial Special Representative, and mandated to provide advice in support of developing an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson. The final report was provided to the Minister in March 2024. This work was supported by $1.6 M over two years from Budget 2023.
  • To advance Call for Justice 1.10 on oversight, CIRNAC has worked with an Indigenous firm to engage Indigenous partners and received a final report from the firm in spring 2023. Budget 2023 provided $2.2 M over five years to advance this work.

Current Status

  • The second National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ occurred on February 7th and 8th, 2024, with leaders and representatives from national and regional Indigenous partners, and federal, provincial and territorial ministers who shared best practices, discussed monitoring and reporting, and identified priority Calls for Justice for action. Planning for the third Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable is currently underway.
  • Budget 2024 invested $1.3 million over three years to support Indigenous partners in the co-development of a regional pilot for a Red Dress Alert, followed by an assessment of the pilot.
  • In May 2024, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a partnership to launch a Red Dress Alert pilot, to be developed together with Indigenous partners. The alert system will provide notification when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing
  • The third Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report was published on June 3, 2024 and reported on the progress that Federal Pathway initiatives have made towards their corresponding Calls for Justice.
  • At the September 2024 Trilateral Working Group to End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls meeting, hosted in Mexico, Minister Anandasangaree reflected on the importance of self-determination as a crucial step to decolonization and reconciliation. The Minister committed to advance preventative efforts by increasing support for families and survivors and enhancing regional coordination to address the root causes of gender-based violence more effectively.
  • Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program is a project-based contribution program funding projects that provide assistance and services for the healing journeys of Indigenous family members and survivors of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people who are missing or were murdered. An open call for proposals was held this year, which closed in July. A total of 88 proposals were received. Funding decisions will be made before the end of 2024.

9. Engagement of Indigenous Partners on an Oversight Body for MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Report on Engagement with Indigenous Partners on Possible Options for Oversight

Reported by:
Innovation seven

March 31, 2023

Opening and Acknowledgements

  • Land Acknowledgement
  • Opening Prayer – Elder Cathy Martin
  • Acknowledging the commitment of Indigenous partners to participate in the engagement process and the sheer number who participated over a short time period
  • We are grateful for the willingness of the Indigenous led organizations and peoples to participate and share their
    • lived experience,
    • desire for change,
    • frustrations with current progress on the Calls for Justice and this process,
    • their hope for action and the achievement of outcomes that matter to Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

Background

Timelines, Progress to Date, Next Steps

  • September 2016 – National Inquiry officially begins
  • November 2016 – March 2017 – National and regional meetings
  • May 2017 – June 2018 – Truth Gathering Processes
  • November 2017 – Our Women and Girls are Sacred Interim Report published
  • September – December 2018 – Final Truth Gathering Process and Submissions
  • June 2019 – Final Report from the National Inquiry Concludes
  • 2021 – Engagement on the National Action Plan for Implementing the Calls for Justice
  • 2022 – Progress Report
  • Late fall 2022- spring 2024 – Engagement on possible oversight for MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
  • 2023-24 – Federal Engagement on Oversight Model for MMIWG and 2S+ CFJ

Advancing the Calls for Justice

  • The following two Calls for Justice were raised through our engagements.
  • 1.10 The Need for Effective Oversight
    • We call upon the federal government to create an independent mechanism to report on the implementation of the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice to Parliament, annually finding solutions to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
  • 1.8 Long Term Sustainable Funding
    • We call upon all governments to create specific and long-term funding, available to Indigenous communities and organizations, to create, deliver, and disseminate prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns designed for Indigenous communities and families related to violence prevention and combatting lateral violence. Core and sustainable funding, as opposed to program funding, must be provided to national and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA people's organizations.

Distinction Based Approach

  • As identified by the National Inquiry
    1. Self-identification
      • First Nation
      • Inuit
      • Métis
    2. Geographical- or regional-specific information
      • North, South, East, West
      • Proximity to urban centres, oceans, water, and natural resources
      • Locations of traditional territories and homelands
      • Municipal, provincial, and territorial boundaries
    3. Residency
      • On-reserve/off-reserve
      • Rural/urban
      • Remote and northern
      • Communities and settlements

Envisioning Transformational Change

  • Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
  • Advancing the 231 Calls for Justice (CFJ)
    • The Change Imperative
      • System change will require a new and innovative approach to working together.
      • Integrated and ongoing efforts are needed to push forward and ensure that MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are at the forefront of government decision making.
      • All Governments must reaffirm commitments and continue to act on, and implement, the National Action Plan and continue to act upon responsibilities and accountabilities in partnership with families and survivors, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
      • The creation of an independent national Indigenous oversight body was identified by the National Inquiry and the 2021 Nation Action Plan (NAP) 2021 as an immediate next step but has not yet been implemented.
      • All Canadians have a role to play in this transformational change, it is everyone's responsibility.
  • Guided by the lived experience, insight, and perspectives of survivors and family members, the strength of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ leaders, the guiding principles, and looking towards a safe future for Indigenous girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, the vision of the National Action Plan is:
    • Vision
      • We envision a transformed Canada where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they are, live free from violence, and are celebrated, honoured, respected, valued, treated equitably, safe, and secure.

Background on the Engagement on Effective Oversight Mechanisms

  • Mandate:
    • Innovation 7 (I7) was hired to meet with Indigenous partners, over a two-month period, to discuss needs for oversight and identify options for an oversight entity for the National Inquiry 231 Calls for Justice (CFJ).
  • Timelines:
    • Less than 3 months
  • Approach & Methodology:
    • Conducted research on existing oversight bodies within the current landscape
    • Extensive engagement with Indigenous partners from close to 100 Indigenous organizations, committees and working groups on the needs for an independent oversight mechanism(s) and key parameters.
    • Engagement includes:
      • 14 detailed interview discussions with Indigenous led organizations
      • 8 regional level engagements with Indigenous organizations operating in select regions (with some follow up discussions)
        • Did not have representation from Saskatchewan and Quebec

Building Blocks

  • The Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan (NAP) and Annual Progress Report
  • National Inuit Action Plan
  • Calls for Miskotahâ – Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People
  • Other reports and action plans as submitted by key Indigenous partners and other levels of government
  • Information and submissions submitted to the MMIWG Secretariat to inform Phase I on the MMIWG Secretariat – Oversight Engagement including a Discussion Paper (Fall 2022)

Challenges & Lessons Learned from the Review

  • Engagement Timelines
    • Timelines to complete the work were unrealistic and I7 received a great deal of push back from most, if not all, Indigenous partners consulted
    • Not given sufficient time for reflection and discussion – replicates toxic colonial relationships and structures
    • Unable to speak with anyone in Québec, Saskatchewan. Only 2 participants from Alberta
  • Preparatory Research
    • Lack of sufficient time to develop preparatory background information/documents and to prepare for discussions
      • More research could have been done on existing models of oversight bodies
    • Discussion on oversight mechanisms are complex – more lead time could have been allotted to the engagements to allow participants to better prepare in advance of the sessions (e.g., parameters, limitations – what is possible?)
  • Lack of Organic Discussions on Innovative Ideas for the Oversight Body
    • Some felt longer sessions were needed with breakout discussion (preferably in person)
      • I7 received some criticism regarding leading facilitation
  • Honouring the Voices of Families and Survivors
    • There were recommendations for the voices of family and survivors to be heard in this part of the engagement process
      • Organizations that represent the voices of families and survivors were included through a number of working groups, committees and associations; some family members and survivors were also included.

Backgrounder on Oversight Bodies

Oversight Bodies At a Glance

  • There is a great deal of variation in independent oversight bodies – both in formal structures and mandates.
  • Independent oversight bodies generally have a: discrete structure, degree of independence, and clear oversight mandate.
    • They are established to provide an external eye on government and/or industry actions
    • Can take a range of forms:
      • ombudspersons
      • audit bodies
      • standing committees
      • regulators and self-regulators
      • anti-corruption agencies
      • human-rights commissions
  • Common Characteristics:
    • Often have a mandate related to good governance and rights protection
    • Are generally given the right to determine their own areas of inquiry within their mandate, as well as, respond to government and citizen requests
    • Must be able to transmit their findings to legislative or judicial bodies and other key partners
    • Assurance that there will be follow-up, whether through enforcement action, incentives or legislative changes
    • Ensure accountability for implementing the findings of the oversight body (this is an essential characteristic)
    • Findings and recommendations feed into the work of other organizations in order to effect systemic change

Budget 2023: Implications for Oversight

  • $2.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to establish an oversight mechanism to monitor and report on the progress on the implementation of the Calls for Justice (CFJ) implementation.
  • $2.5 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to facilitate and coordinate work on advancing the National Action Plan by establishing a standing Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous table on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
    • This table will provide a specific forum to take action on areas of shared roles and responsibilities regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People, including prioritizing discussion on how to launch a "Red Dress Alert" to notify the public when an Indigenous woman or two-spirit person goes missing.
  • $1.6 million over two years, starting in 2023-24, to support the Ministerial Special Representative appointed to provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson.

Summary of What We Heard

At the Core of this Work – Indigenous Women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, Families and Survivors

Summary of Areas of Agreement

  • Must be Indigenous-led
  • Pan-Indigenous approach will not work – distinction based plus is required
    • Many urban voices do not support a narrow definition of distinction based. More than 80% of Indigenous people live in urban areas
  • An oversight body – independent from government
  • Majority agree it must be legislative to ensure:
    • neutrality, impartiality, effectiveness, and to avoid risks of interference by government or other actors
  • Majority feel the oversight body should be located outside government but report to government
  • Must be centred around and accountable to families and survivors
  • Accountability primarily rest with the federal government but also all players (FPTIs and grassroots) to deliver on the Calls for Justice
  • Importance of remove the politics and focus on actions and outcomes
  • Needs to be effectively resourced to deliver on mandate
  • Need to be supported by a concrete workplan (e.g., actions, timelines, roles and measures of success
  • Need for consequences when CFJ are not fully implemented as planned and goals aren't achieved
  • Funding
    • Funding needs to come from government – led by the feds but supported by the PTs and municipalities
    • Tie transfer payments to key commitments and goals in the NAP
  • Focus
    • Hold federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous (FPTI) governments to account in delivering on actions and commitment related to CFJ
    • Focus on results and outcomes
    • Create better connection, coordination and working partnerships between different grassroots organizations and communities who are working alongside family members and survivors, FPTI levels of government, functions and identified priority areas
    • Ensure there is robust data collection strategy to support monitoring of outcomes and to fill in any known data gaps in advancing the CFJ
      • requires funding at the grassroot level
    • Ensure communication and information-sharing (knowledge mobilization)

Areas Requiring Further Discussion

  • Not all agree with a narrowly focused definition of distinction based – many are focused on broader areas including urban, regional, northern and rural
    • Grassroots and most national Indigenous organizations (NIOs) recognize the importance of the urban voice/focus e.g., distinction based +
    • For some urban led groups, a narrow definition of distinction-based approach creates silos and diffuses the disbursement of funding making it difficult to service the needs of urban Indigenous people on the ground
    • 80%+ of Indigenous people in Canada live in urban areas – their voice needs to be represented
  • While the majority supported a legislated oversight body, a limited number of those consulted did not support a legislated body – primarily because of the complexity and time required to establish it
  • While majority agree all partners should be accountable, some focused primarily on federal government
  • Composition of the advisory board or council to the oversight body
    • This is the area of greatest divergence/disagreement – some think it should be composed of a small group of experts while others believe it should be composed of all organizations representing the voices of MMIWG and 2S+
    • Some concern if an "interim" body is established it may become permanent and progress won't be made toward a permanent oversight body
      • needs to be given a strict timeline for establishment

Detailed Summary of What Was Heard

An Oversight Body is Needed

  • Within the current environment, limited progress on the CFJ and there are no ways to hold the partners accountable for progress and results
    • Need for system-wide accountability for actions and results/outcomes
  • Immediate action is required to ensure the CFJ are fully implemented
    • It has been over 4 years since the final report of the National Inquiry
    • NAP is the starting point but limited actions and results are evident
  • The implementation of the CFJ need to move forward on two fronts
    • Systemic, proactive change - preventative
      • Need to support NIOs/RIOs in developing plans
    • Grassroots - responsive to immediate needs
      • Funding to grassroots organizations to address immediate needs – possibility of a national grassroots organization to support the distribution of funding to the grassroots level (ex. Native Women's Association of Canada or the National Association of Friendship Centres)
  • Real and lasting change will require new approaches, agreements and structures. There is no patience for continued inter -jurisdictional wrangling on who is responsible and accountable
  • The oversight body has to be Indigenous led and include women and girls who have the knowledge, expertise in systems changes and those who experienced violence, and/or who have been touched by it

Recommendations on Oversight Body Mandate and Core Activities

  • Oversee implementation of the CFJ and NAP; holding FPTIs to account for delivering on actions and commitments
  • Coordinate across, create connections and leverage partnerships in relation to the many initiatives being undertaken to advance the CFJ
  • Monitor and measure outcomes and impact including distinguishing between immediate intervention/ supports and prevention to address deeper root causes
  • Annual reports to key partners
    • FPT Parliaments, families and survivors, NIOs/RIOS, grassroots
  • Knowledge mobilization and communication
  • Identify barriers to systemic change and provide recommendations for change
  • Must have the capacity to receive complaints, investigate, conduct research and require the submission of data/information to inform monitoring and recommendations to all levels of government
  • Ensure systems are in place for data collection across the system
    • Indigenous led data governance
  • Must also have the power to hold the Treasury Board and financial bodies accountable for the investments made in implementing the MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ CFJ and NAP
    • Without financial investments, Indigenous organizations will not have the capacity to deliver work critical to ending violence

Recommendations on the Structure of the Oversight Body

  • Independent /external to government
  • Legislated
  • Indigenous-led: grassroots, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+
  • A national body needs to be supported and connected to regional bodies to collaborate, plan and reflect differences and uniqueness
    • Urban, rural, northern, and different barriers faced by Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+
  • Strong support for the establishment of a separate oversight body for overseeing the Calls for Justice and ensuring their implementation is not crowded out by the broader mandate of an existing organization
    • Limited support to leverage an existing national Indigenous body to take on the role of monitoring and oversight e.g., National Reconciliation Council, Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), or National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)

Recommendations on Reporting

  • Reporting on key commitments documented in an implementation plan – at minimum annually
    • the MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ NAP is the starting point BUT the implementation plan needs to include who is doing what, when, resources and expected outcomes
  • Oversight body present annual reports to parliaments, families and survivors and other key partners on the progress being made, gaps, barriers, and recommendations on address barriers
  • Information disseminated in clear, plain language, accessible and preferably in Indigenous languages
  • Maintaining an open line of communication with families and survivors

Recommendations Voiced on Accountability

  • Majority agree that accountability should rest with all partners but with strong federal leadership
  • Federal Accountability
    • Federally legislated; gov't would be accountable and report to oversight body
  • Provincial and Territorial (PT) Accountability – greater role needed for PTs
    • PTs would report to their governments and to the oversight body on progress made
  • National and regional Indigenous organizations
    • Report on progress in implementing their MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ action plans
  • Grassroots
    • Report on progress they are making and seeing on the ground
  • Accountability to Families and Survivors
    • Consult families and survivors of violence to determine what they need in terms of accountability
    • ULTIMATELY, there needs t be accuntable t families and survivrs fr utcmes that are respnsive t the issues and needs f Indigenus wmen/2SLGBTQQIA+ peple, cmmunities, families, and peples

Recommendations for Ensuring Accountability

  • All parties need to be held to accountable for achieving their CFJ commitments and results
  • Identified Levers to Ensure Accountability
    • Federal transfer payments linked to key commitments and goals
      • ex. cases where federal transfer payments and funding being withheld from PTs
        • E.g., BC and Alberta where health transfers were clawed back due to private clinics and billing
    • Providing financial incentives to implement key commitments
    • Public reporting and shaming

Models Identified in the Engagements

  • National Council for Reconciliation
    • NFP, legislated
    • 13 board members – 3 nominated by the NIOs (1 per distinction-based)
    • Transitional board of 5 people who will pick the rest of the board
      • Nominees and a national call for the remainder of board members
  • National Housing Council (2019)
    • an advisory body to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion on the National Housing Strategy
    • Within this structure, the advocate is housed within government but remains an independent critic
    • have investigatory powers to receive and pursue complaints around the implementation of the National Action Plan and hold Canada accountable for its actions. Given the role of an advocate may intersect with the Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson
  • Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
    • Non-profit council. Overseen by a Board of Directors and supported by staff
  • Savanna's Act and Not Invisible Act (USA) (not fully implemented)
    • The Not Invisible Act Commission is composed of Tribal leaders, law enforcement, federal partners, service providers, and survivors
    • Will act as an advisory committee, making recommendations to the DOI and Department of Justice (DOJ) on combating violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives.
  • Metro Vancouver Executive Council
    • Non-profit and is a unified voice of Aboriginal Organizations, who strategically plan, advocate and positively influence outcomes that strengthen the service delivery and policies that impact the Metro Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Community
    • Relationships are at the community level and is decolonized approach; includes Elders and lawyers

Recommendations for Funding for Oversight

  • Majority recommend that the federal government should fund the work of the oversight body, with support from PTs and trickle down to municipalities and grassroot organizations
    • Commitment to funding needs to be embedded in the legislation
  • Funding for systemic change/prevention and on the ground support to address immediate needs
  • Funding is required at the grassroots level. As reflected in the CFJ and 2022 NAP Progress Report and reiterated by regional engagement sessions. There are numerous issues related to the lack of funding available to grassroots organizations despite funding commitments made to date
    • Funding processes are often launched late, making it difficult to implement within the timelines
    • Funding is not transparent – many question who is getting funding and for what
    • Need for long term funding beyond annual G&Cs
      • Access to contribution funding is complex and burdensome, which means there are barriers for grassroots organizations to receive funding because they may be unaware of potential funding opportunities, capacity issues to prepare proposals (i.e., time or resources), and narrow funding criteria
      • Funding often does not meet the needs of organizations because it is onetime funding when there is a need for a long-term sustainable approach to fund the Calls for Justice

Recommended Guiding Principles in Establishing the Oversight Body

  • Women, Families and Survivor at the Centre
    • Women are the heart of their Nations and communities – they are the "first teachers" and "mothers of nations"; they are healers and medicine. They are the ones directly impacted – they need to self-determine and drive the change to ensure safety and well-being for Indigenous women and girls
  • Co-developed
    • Nothing for us without us – continue to honour that principle of co-development
    • Leverage principles already established such as the ICPC co-development principles
  • Spiritually based – focused on 7 generations
  • Honouring Intersectionality
    • Recognize that a person's experience will be different than another's based on their particular interplay of race, ethnicity, Indigeneity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, age, and ability, as well as how these intersections encourage systems of oppression
  • Rights-based – foundational right to self-determination
    • Recognition of the inherent right is based on the view that the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have the right to govern themselves in relation to matters that are internal to their communities, integral to their unique cultures, identities, traditions, languages and institutions, and with respect to their special relationships to their land and their resources.
  • Transparency and Accountability for the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice
    • Reporting back to Indigenous communities, families, and peoples and organizations
  • Outcomes-focused: ULTIMATELY, need to drive outcomes that are responsive to the issues and needs of Indigenous communities, families, and peoples and those "on the ground"
  • Trauma-informed and culturally-safe
  • Sustainable funding – body needs to be fully funded and capable to perform the mandate

Reflecting on Learnings from other Initiatives

Lessons Learned from NAP – What we Heard

  • Structured so everyone's voice was heard
  • Many working groups – complicated governance structure which made decision-making difficult
  • Process became very political – very difficult to make decisions
  • Insufficient inclusion of regional and grassroots organizations and urban voices
    • More funding and support were needed for urban grassroots organizations to participate
  • PTs have to be part of the conversations given their role in implementation
  • Focused on a systems approach

Lessons Learned from the TRC – Additional Insights Gathered by I7

  • Setting up the National Council for Reconciliation (NCR) – Oversight of the TRC Calls to Action
    • Small group appointed to oversee the establishment of the NCR
    • Supported by a Secretariat located in government
    • Purpose of the Interim Body was not to define the organization – but the structure – a lot of confusion about this
    • Drafted legislation in 2019 – recommendation was for a non-political Council
      • Some pressure put on MPs and Senators not to support
    • Legislation shelved and then revised in 2022
    • Pressure for the oversight's body to report in multiple language – this couldn't be supported
  • Considerations in establishing an MMIWG oversight body
    • This is the oversight body of the National Inquiry on MMIWG and the 231 CFJ – not a tribunal
    • Need technical expertise to support council(s) and in terms of staffing
    • Should be non-political
      • Many examples of government requiring political approval – this is not what's recommended in the TOR
        • It slices into many different distinction based , diverse voices and may become politicized. Dilutes spending and reach - there is so little money and resources no one can do anything of significance
        • The importance of Indigenous led institutions, urban based, that are non-political

Building on What was Heard – Possible Options for Considerations for an MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Oversight Body

Possible Options for Oversight

  • Based on information and feedback received from this engagement process, Innovation 7 developed the following options for a possible oversight body
    • They are considered options as many ideas and recommendations were provided and we have tried to capture areas where we heard some consensus across the various engagement sessions
    • They are to support future discussions and evolution of an appropriate oversight mechanism for the CFJ
  • All but one of the options identified are external to government – majority are non-profit organizations
  • All would have some form of annual reporting
  • Possible options explored:
    • Representative Board or Council – inclusive of all voices, selected by organizations
    • Accountability Board / FS Advisory Council – limited but broadly inclusive, selected or possible nominations for membership
    • Expert Council – limited to expert voices; nominated
    • Task Force/Special Committee of Parliament – selected parliamentarians and some elected Indigenous representatives
    • Officer/Agent of Parliament – departmental agency led by independent statutory officer
    • Non- Profit, Board of Directors

Representative Board or Council

  • Legislated, non-profit, external
  • Guided by one Council that represents all voices
  • Members selected by Indigenous partners and government for their respective representatives
    • Possibility for review and selection committee
  • Headed by a single leader/commissioner/wise councillor
  • Accountability and reporting to:
    • Commissioner/Councillor
    • Family and Survivors
    • FPTI governments
    • Canadian public
    • Option to the UN

Accountability Board and Advisory Council

  • Legislated, non-profit, external
  • Two separate entities to support the oversight body
    • Government Accountability Board: each FPT and NIO nominates a representative(s)
      • Possibility for review and selection committee
    • Advisory Council: selected by representatives of Families and Survivors; grassroots and RIOs – recommend intersectionality
    • Council and Board can come together around planning and reporting/accountability
  • Head by a single leader/commissioner/wise councillor
  • Accountability and reporting to:
    • Family and Survivors
    • FPT Parliament and NIOs
    • Canadian public
    • Option to the UN

Expert Council

  • Legislated, non-profit, external
  • Guided by small body of experts
    • Criteria for selection co-developed with Indigenous partners
    • Call for nominations and independent selection board
  • Single or up to 3 commissioner
  • Accountability and reporting to:
    • Family and Survivors
    • FPT Parliament
    • NIOs
    • Canadian public
    • Option to the UN

Standing Committee

  • Non-legislated, inside government
  • Appointed by gov't; possibility with some NIO representatives – joint selection committee
  • More narrow mandate
  • Accountability and reporting
    • Report directly to Parliament and PM
    • NIOs
    • Families and survivors

Officer/Agent of Parliament

  • Legislated, inside government
  • An Officer of Parliament is independent of the government in the execution of their work and responsibilities
    • Agents of Parliament operate at arm's length from the executive branch of government
      • Ex. Office of the Auditor General and Parliamentary Budget Officer
  • Departmental agencies led by independent statutory officers who scrutinize the activities of government
  • Reports directly to Parliament
  • Institutional heads are typically appointed through special resolution of the House of Commons and of the Senate

Non Profit Board of Directors

  • Non-legislated, non-profit, external
  • Board has expertise in system/transformative change, violence prevention, representatives of family and survivors and 2SLGBTQQIA+
    • Criteria for selection to the Board can be co-developed
  • Public annual report submitted to:
    • Media
    • FPT bodies
    • NIOs
    • Organizations that represent families and survivors
    • Option to the UN

What We Heard – Recommended Steps to Implementation

  • Those consulted recommend 1 year to implement the MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA oversight body
    • Cannot delay money getting to the grassroots level to immediately move forward with the CFJ
  • Appointment of an interim body to help establish the oversight body
    • Engage Indigenous partners on selection criteria for appointments to the interim body
    • Will require sufficient time and resources for engagement – recommend in-person
    • Draft the legislation
    • Focus on the mandate and structure of the oversight body – not how the oversight body will carry out its mandate
    • Estimate costs of operations
  • Engage Indigenous partners on possible options
    • Involve the grassroots groups
    • FPTs
    • Families and survivors
    • NIOs and RIOs
  • Focus on systemic change
  • Essential that funding continues/flows to go to grassroots organization to support programming on the ground
    • Funding can't be delayed by the implementation of the oversight body

Feedback from the April 6, 2023 Presentation to Indigenous Representatives

Key Issues Discussed

  • Needs to be Indigenous led – decolonized approach
  • Distinction-based approach not prominent in the report
  • Distinction-based recognized in the Charter but that does not equate to the NIOs
    • Needs to be non-partisan/non-political
    • Non-profit, urban and Indigenous women being at the forefront – majority are on the ground – women centred. First contact in urban centres and integral to oversight
    • Need to work together rather than fighting over a piece of the pie
  • Voices of the people have to be honoured
  • Some participants requested funding to have legal advice during the engagement, design and establishment of the oversight body/mechanisms
  • Inequity of resources among NIOs, RIOs and grassroots to participate in MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ planning
  • Some would like to see legislation similar to the US e.g., Savana's Act and Not Invisible Act
  • Accountable to parliament and public and entered into public record
    • e.g., PBO and OAG – permanent funding – work tabled by civil servants
  • Need to amplify the urgency of the situation facing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people
    • The numbers are getting worse – increasing at an alarming rate
  • Honour the spirit of the National Inquiry, need to ensure the oversight body is "lean, yet powerful" so that the majority of investments are not consumed by an oversight body

Key Issues Discussed – Next Steps

  • Decolonized approach – Indigenous women doing this work
    • Strongly recommend a co-development approach – essential
      • Need a common table that is based on co-development principles with full cooperation of the federal gov't
    • Sharing power – not one person or body having all the resources
      • Co-development requires shared resources and leadership
  • Example given of NL – provincial Reconciliation Council supported by an advisory committee (AC) with 11 different Indigenous women's organization and Reconciliation Council made up of 5 members of the AC and 5 of gov't representatives
    • Set priorities for short, medium and LT goals and all partners need to report back
  • Oversight body needs to include the urban voices
    • One suggestion: oversight body could include NIOs + large regional organization such as the Urban Working Group, National Association of Friendship Centres, National Family and Survivors Circle
    • Importance of representing non-status Indigenous people

Additional Insights Gathered by Innovation 7

Lessons Learned in Establishing the Oversight Body

  • When creating independent oversight bodies, parliaments and partners should ensure that draft legislation addresses key aspects including mandate, accountability, budget, member selection, and reporting
  • The following criteria are recommended:
    • The mandate for oversight body should be clear, and institutions free to operate within their mandate without requesting permission from parliament or government
    • The budget for the oversight body needs to be sufficient to carry out the complex mandate
    • Establish and communicate criteria and process for selecting members to ensure a transparent process
      • Clear criteria for members should be co-developed with partners
      • Membership should be appointed for a multi-year period and may be renewable or non-renewable
    • The body should be required to report annually to Parliaments (FPT) and Indigenous partners on their progress in implementing the CFJ and what else is required to successfully drive change
    • The body should have the right and obligation to report publicly - in this case, the report should also be presented to a council of family and survivors
    • Parliaments, with the support and possible direction from Indigenous partners, should have the right to request the oversight body carry out special enquiries within the institution's mandate

Next Steps

  • Distribute today's presentation to attendees as well as those invited who were unable to attend
  • Receive feedback from participants
  • Reflect the feedback in final PowerPoint report to CIRNAC
  • CIRNAC will continue discussions and collaboration with partners on the design of an oversight mechanism

Meegwetch! Thank you!

Thank you for your time today!

Appendix – Representatives from Organizations who Participated in this Engagement Process

Organizations Engaged

  • Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc.
  • Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities
  • Tungasuvvingat Inuit - Urban Inuit Community Centre
  • Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
  • Nunatsiavut Government
  • Makivik Corporation
  • Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
  • Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC)
  • Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
  • Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
  • Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
  • National Association of Friendship Centres
  • Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
  • Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
  • Southern Chief's Organization Inc.
  • Manitoba Métis Federation
  • Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
  • Assembly of First Nations
  • 2 Spirits in Motion Society
  • Metis Nation British Columbia
  • Heiltsuk Nation
  • BC Native's Women Association
  • Barkaskas Law: Patricia Barkaskas
  • Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC)
  • Prince George Native Friendship Centre
  • National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence
  • Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network
  • Liard Aboriginal Women's Society
  • Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association
  • Ka Ni Kanichihk
  • Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc.
  • Two Spirit Manitoba
  • Wahbung Abinoonjiiag
  • First Light – Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Labrador Friendship Centre
  • Newfoundland Native Women's Association
  • Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle
  • Saturviit Inuit Womens Association
  • Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association
  • Native Women's Association of Canada
  • Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council
  • NunatuKavut
  • Indigenous Women of the Wabanaki Territories
  • Iqaluit Community Tukisigiarvik Society
  • Lennox Island First Nation
  • Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative
  • Native Council of Prince Edward Island
  • Women's Equality New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia Native Women's Association
  • Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat Inc
  • Aboriginal Women's Association of PEI
  • Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
  • Awo Taan: Calgary shelter for women fleeing
  • domestic violence
  • Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association
  • Edmonton 2 Spirit Society
  • Native's Women's Association of the NWT
  • Rural Metis Women of Northern Alberta
  • The Independent First Nations (IFN)
  • Institute For The Advancement Of Aboriginal Women
  • Metis Child & Family Services Society Of Alberta
  • Chiefs of Ontario
  • Metis Nation of Ontario
  • Metis Nation of Ontario Women's Council
  • Grand Council Treaty 3
  • Hiawatha First Nation
  • Keepers of the Circle
  • Ontario Coalition of Indigenous Peoples
  • Ontario Native Women's Association
  • Emdash Agency
  • Ganhohkwasra Family Assault Support Services
  • Nishnawbe Aski Nation
  • Anishinabek Nation
  • The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI)
  • Ganhohkwasra Family Assault Support Services
  • National Association of Friendship Centres
  • NT/NU Council of Friendship Centres
  • Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
  • Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association
  • BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres
  • Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres
  • Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ)
  • Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
  • Labrador Friendship Centre
  • Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
  • Under One Sky Friendship Centre
  • People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre
  • Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak
  • British Columbia Assembly of First Nation
  • Atira Women's Resource Society
  • First Nations Summit Society
  • BC First Nations Justice Council
  • National Family and Survivors Circle
  • Indigenous Women of the Wabanaki Territories
  • Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Gaps in Engagement

  • Saskatchewan – invited but did not attend
    • The Association of Métis, Non and Status Indians Saskatchewan
    • Metis Nation of Saskatchewan
    • Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
  • Québec – invited but did not attend
    • Femmes Autochtones du Québec Inc.
    • Alliance Autochtone du Quebec
    • The Native Women's Shelter of Montreal

10. Red Dress Alert

Key Messages

  • Advancing a Red Dress Alert remains a priority for the Government of Canada.
  • Budget 2024 invested $1.3 million over three years to support Indigenous partners in the co-development of a regional pilot for a Red Dress Alert, followed by an assessment of the pilot.
  • In May 2024, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a partnership to launch a Red Dress Alert pilot, to be developed together with Indigenous partners. The alert system will provide notification when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing.

Background

  • In May 2023, the House of Commons unanimously backed a motion by NDP MP Leah Gazan to declare the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls a Canada-wide emergency and called on the Government to fund a Red Dress Alert. The intent of a Red Dress Alert would be to alert the public when an Indigenous woman, girl, or 2SLGBTQI+ person goes missing. Such an alert would request the assistance of the public in locating the missing Indigenous woman, girl or 2SLGBTQI+ person quickly and to help ensure that they are located safe in a timely way.
  • In Fall 2023, during bilateral engagements with Provincial and Territorial Ministers, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honorable Gary Anandasangaree, communicated the federal government's dedication to implement a Red Dress Alert system, seeking prompt collaboration from their governments.
  • Pre-engagement sessions with national Indigenous organizations, regional organizations, technical experts, family members, Survivors, and grassroots service providers across the country took place in December 2023 and January 2024 to discuss their views on a Red Dress Alert. Budget 2023 committed to advancing discussions surrounding the Red Dress Alert at the National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Roundtable on MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ People, which took place in February 2024.

Current Status

  • Discussions continue with provincial and Indigenous partners to advance a Red Dress Alert.
  • Engagement with Manitoba will continue as they are establishing an agreement with an Indigenous partner to lead development efforts for the pilot with Indigenous partners.
  • Departmental officials will continue to explore options to assess the pilot.

11. Prairie Green Landfill

Key Messages

  • The violent deaths of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran are a tragic reminder of the alarming number of incidences of violence, discrimination and abuse in our country against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people that cannot be ignored.
  • In April 2024, the Government of Canada announced $20 million in funding to match investments made by the Government of Manitoba to conduct a search of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran.
  • The Government of Manitoba is leading the search, and we are hopeful for closure for the families.

Background

  • In December 2022, Winnipeg Police Service informed the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myron, both from Long Plain First Nation, that: the women were the victims of homicide; their remains may have been deposited in the Prairie Green Landfill; and the Winnipeg Police Service did not plan to search the landfill as part of the homicide investigation.
  • Jeremy Skibicki was charged with first degree murder in the deaths of four First Nation women: Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myron, Rebecca Contois, whose partial remains were found in the Brady Road Landfill, and an unidentified woman the community has named Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe (Buffalo Woman). In July 2024, he was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to four concurrent life sentences with no chance of parole for 25 years.
  • In response to sustained calls to search the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myron, the Government of Canada has consistently messaged that it will work with victims' families, First Nation leadership and the Government of Manitoba to support measures grounded in the intention to do the right thing for Ms. Harris, Ms. Myron and their families.

Current Status

  • In April 2024, the Federal Budget identified $20 million to support a search by the Government of Manitoba of the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two murdered First Nations women. The search is now underway.

Program-Level Data

  • $500,000 - Provided to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in March 2023, to oversee the development of a study to determine the feasibility of searching the Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two murdered First Nation women. The Prairie Green Landfill Feasibility Study Report was submitted on May 4, 2023.
  • $740,000 - Provided to the Long Plain First Nation in October 2023, to oversee the development of comprehensive and integrated plans to support a search. The Search the Landfill: Inter-related Operational Planning Report was submitted on January 24, 2024.
  • $20,000,000 - budget 2024 announced an investment of $20 million to be transferred to the Government of Manitoba to develop and lead a search of the Prairie Green Landfill. Funding was transferred to Manitoba in August 2024.

12. Saskatoon Landfill Search

Key Messages

  • The August 1, 2024 discovery of the remains of Mackenzie Trottier, a Métis woman, in a City of Saskatoon landfill is a jarring reminder of the need to address the alarming number of incidences of violence, discrimination and abuse in our country against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • The Government of Canada commends the Saskatoon Police Services for undertaking a search to support the family and community in their healing.
  • The Saskatoon Police Service have requested federal support to recover the costs of the completed search for the remains of Mackenzie Trottier. These activities fall within municipal and provincial jurisdiction. Public Safety Canada has reached out to provincial counterparts.

Background

  • On July 19, 2024, prior to the conclusion of the landfill search, the Saskatoon Police Service initiated contact with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations requesting funding to assist with the expansion of the search operation.
  • On July 24, 2024, the Saskatoon Police Service followed-up with the Minister to formally request additional funding, as the complexity of the search placed significant pressures on their operation and budget. The Saskatoon Police Service initiated broader discussions with Government of Canada officials and the Province of Saskatchewan concerning securing financial support for the search.

Current Status

  • The Government of Canada will continue to do what is right and necessary to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and to foster the healing of families, Survivors, and Indigenous communities.
  • Concrete actions have been taken to address the safety and security of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people through various federal initiatives. New programs have been launched such as those for families and Survivors, cultural spaces, health and wellness, languages, shelters, housing, education, and data.
  • A response from the Minister to the Saskatoon Police Service is pending.

13. National Council for Reconciliation

Key Messages

  • Call to Action 53 calls for legislation to provide for the establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation. On April 30, 2024, the National Council for Reconciliation Act received Royal Assent, and on July 2, 2024, it came into effect. This completes call to Action 53 and positions the Government to address Calls to Action 54-56.
  • Once established, the National Council for Reconciliation will advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. This will include monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the progress being made towards reconciliation, including progress on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
    • Over 85% of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action that are shared or are of sole responsibility of the federal government are complete or well underway.

Background

  • In December 2017, the Prime Minister announced the creation of an independent, Indigenous-led Interim Board of Directors to provide advice on the creation of the National Council for Reconciliation.
  • Following research and engagement, the Interim Board provided recommendations in June 2018, which informed the development of a draft legislative framework for the National Council for Reconciliation.
  • The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations appointed members to a Transitional Committee in December 2021 to continue the Interim Board's work. The Transitional Committee reviewed the draft legislative framework, conducted targeted engagement with technical experts and, in March 2022, made recommendations on the core elements of legislation to establish the National Council for Reconciliation.
  • Both the Interim Board and the Transitional Committee built on and respected the work conducted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including its extensive engagement activities.
  • Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation, was developed based on the recommendations of the Interim Board and the Transitional Committee. It was tabled in Parliament in June 2022. The House and Senate heard from witnesses, including National Indigenous Organizations, other Indigenous organizations and experts, whose testimony strengthened the bill.

Current Status

  • The legislation ensures that the National Council for Reconciliation will be an independent, non-political, Indigenous-led organization mandated to advance reconciliation in Canada.
  • Budget 2019 announced a total of $126.5 million to support the establishment of the National Council for Reconciliation, which includes a $125 million endowment and $1.5 million to support the first year of operations.
  • The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and the Transitional Committee for the National Council for Reconciliation will, in accordance with the legislation, select the first board of directors for the Council. The open application process was launched on September 20, 2024, and will close on October 20, 2024.
  • Once the first board of directors is selected, a member of the Transitional Committee will incorporate the Council under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.

14. Most recent Federal Pathway Report

2023-24 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report: Main Report

15. List of Federally led or share Calls for Justice and their status

Calls for Justice 1.1 to 1.11

Call for Justice 1.1

We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments (hereinafter "all governments"), in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, to develop and implement a National Action Plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, as recommended in our Interim Report and in support of existing recommendations by other bodies of inquiry and other reports. As part of the National Action Plan, we call upon all governments to ensure that equitable access to basic rights such as employment, housing, education, safety, and health care is recognized as a fundamental means of protecting Indigenous and human rights, re-sourced and supported as rights-based programs founded on substantive equality. All programs must be no-barrier, and must apply regardless of Statusa or location. Governments should:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.2

We call upon all governments, with the full participation of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, to immediately implement and fully comply with all relevant rights instruments, including but not limited to:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.3

We call upon all governments, in meeting human and Indigenous rights obligations, to pursue prioritization and resourcing of the measures required to eliminate the social, economic, cultural, and political marginalization of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people when developing budgets and determining government activities and priorities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.4

We call upon all governments, and in particular Indigenous governments and Indigenous representative organizations, to take urgent and special measures to ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are represented in governance and that their political rights are respected and upheld. We call upon all governments to equitably support and promote the role of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people in governance and leadership. These efforts must include the development of policies and procedures to protect Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people against sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and racism within political life.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.5

We call upon all governments to immediately take all necessary measures to prevent, investigate, punish, and compensate for violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.6

We call upon all governments to eliminate jurisdictional gaps and neglect that result in the denial of services, or improperly regulated and delivered services, that address the social, economic, political, and cultural marginalization of, and violence against, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.7

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson, with authority in all jurisdictions, and to establish a National Indigenous and Human Rights Tribunal. The ombudsperson and tribunal must be independent of governments and have the authority to receive complaints from Indigenous individuals as well as Indigenous communities in relation to Indigenous and human rights viola­tions, and to conduct thorough and independent evaluations of government services for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people and communities to determine compliance with human and Indigenous rights laws.

The ombudsperson and the tribunal must be given sufficient resources to fulfill their mandates and must be permanent.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.8

We call upon all governments to create specific and long-term funding, available to Indigenous communities and organizations, to create, deliver, and disseminate prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns designed for Indigenous communities and families related to violence prevention and combatting lateral violence. Core and sustainable funding, as opposed to program funding, must be provided to national and regional Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA people's organizations.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.9

We call upon all governments to develop laws, policies, and public education campaigns to challenge the acceptance and normalization of violence.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 1.10

We call upon the federal government to create an independent mechanism to report on the implementation of the National Inquiry's Calls for Justice to Parliament, annually.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 1.11

We call upon the federal government-specifically, Library and Archives Canada and the Privy Council Office - to maintain and to make easily accessible the National Inquiry's public record and website.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 2.1 to 2.7

Call for Justice 2.1

We call upon all governments to acknowledge, recognize, and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their cultures and languages as inherent rights, and constitutionally protected as such under section 35 of the Constitution.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.2

We call upon all governments to recognize Indigenous languages as official languages, with the same status, recognition, and protection provided to French and English. This includes the directives that:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.3

We call upon all governments to ensure that all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are provided with safe, no-barrier, permanent, and meaningful access to their cultures and languages in order to restore, reclaim, and revitalize their cultures and identities. These are rights held by all segments of Indigenous communities, from young children to Elders. The programs and services that provide such access should not be tied exclusively to government-run cultural or educational institutions. All governments must further ensure that the rights of Indigenous children to retain and be educated in their Indigenous language are upheld and protected. All governments must ensure access to immersion programs for children from preschool into post-secondary education.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.4

We call upon all governments to provide the necessary resources and permanent funds required to preserve knowledge by digitizing interviews with Knowledge Keepers and language speakers. We further call upon all governments to support grassroots and community-led Indigenous language and cultural programs that restore identity, place, and belonging within First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities through permanent, no-barrier funding and resources. Special measures must include supports to restore and revitalize identity, place, and belonging for Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been isolated from their Nations due to colonial violence, including 2SLGBTQQIA people and women who have been denied Status.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.5

We call upon all governments, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, to create a permanent empowerment fund devoted to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives for Indigenous individuals, families, and communities to access cultural knowledge, as an important and strength-based way to support cultural rights and to uphold self-determined services. This empowerment fund should include the support of land-based educational programs that can assist in foundational cultural learning and awareness. This empowerment fund will also assist in the revitalization of distinct cultural practices as expressed by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, with eligibility criteria and decision making directly in their hands.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.6

We call upon all governments to educate their citizens about, and to confront and eliminate, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. To accomplish this, the federal government, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments, must develop and implement an Anti-Racism and Anti-Sexism National Action Plan to end racist and sexualized stereotypes of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The plan must target the general public as well as public services.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 2.7

We call upon all governments to adequately fund and support Indigenous-led initiatives to improve the representation of Indigenous Peoples in media and pop culture.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 3.1 to 3.7

Call for Justice 3.1

We call upon all governments to ensure that the rights to health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples, and specifically of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, are recognized and protected on an equitable basis.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.2

We call upon all governments to provide adequate, stable, equitable, and ongoing funding for Indigenous-centred and community-based health and wellness services that are accessible and culturally appropriate, and meet the health and wellness needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The lack of health and wellness services within Indigenous communities continues to force Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to relocate in order to access care. Governments must ensure that health and wellness services are available and accessible within Indigenous communities and wherever Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people reside.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.3

We call upon all governments to fully support First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities to call on Elders, Grandmothers, and other Knowledge Keepers to establish community-based trauma-informed programs for survivors of trauma and violence.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.4

We call upon all governments to ensure that all Indigenous communities receive immediate and necessary resources, including funding and support, for the establishment of sustainable, permanent, no-barrier, preventative, accessible, holistic, wraparound serv–ices, including mobile trauma and addictions recovery teams. We further direct that trauma and addictions treatment programs be paired with other essential services such as mental health services and sexual exploitation and trafficking services as they relate to each individual case of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.5

We call upon all governments to establish culturally competent and responsive crisis response teams in all communities and regions, to meet the immediate needs of an Indigenous person, family, and/or community after a traumatic event (murder, accident, violent event, etc.), alongside ongoing support.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.6

We call upon all governments to ensure substantive equality in the funding of services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, as well as substantive equality for Indigenous-run health services. Further, governments must ensure that jurisdictional disputes do not result in the denial of rights and services. This includes mandated permanent funding of health services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people on a continual basis, regardless of jurisdictional lines, geographical location, and Status affiliation or lack thereof.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 3.7

We call upon all governments to provide continual and accessible healing programs and support for all children of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people and their family members. Specifically, we call for the permanent establishment of a fund akin to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and related funding. These funds and their administration must be independent from government and must be distinctions-based. There must be accessible and equitable allocation of specific monies within the fund for Inuit, Metis, and First Nations Peoples.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 4.1 to 4.8

Call for Justice 4.1

We call upon all governments to uphold the social and economic rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people by ensuring that Indigenous Peoples have services and infrastructure that meet their social and economic needs. All governments must immediately ensure that Indigenous Peoples have access to safe housing, clean drinking water, and adequate food.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.2

We call upon all governments to recognize Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination in the pursuit of economic social development. All governments must support and resource economic and social progress and development on an equitable basis, as these measures are required to uphold the human dignity, life, liberty, and security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. All governments must support and resource community-based supports and solutions designed to improve social and economic security, led by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. This support must come with long-term, sustainable funding designed to meet the needs and objectives as defined by Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.3

We call upon all governments to support programs and services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people in the sex industry to promote their safety and security. These programs must be designed and delivered in partnership with people who have lived experience in the sex industry. We call for stable and long-term funding for these programs and services.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.4

We call upon all governments to provide supports and resources for educational, training, and employment opportunities for all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. These programs must be available within all Indigenous communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.5

We call upon all governments to establish a guaranteed annual livable income for all Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples, to meet all their social and economic needs. This income must take into account diverse needs, realities, and geographic locations.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 4.6

We call upon all governments to immediately commence the construction of new housing and the provision of repairs for existing housing to meet the housing needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. This construction and provision of repairs must ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people have access to housing that is safe, appropriate to geographic and cultural needs, and available wherever they reside, whether in urban, rural, remote, or Indigenous communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.7

We call upon all governments to support the establishment and long-term sustainable funding of Indigenous-led low-barrier shelters, safe spaces, transition homes, second- stage housing, and services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people who are homeless, near homeless, dealing with food insecurity, or in poverty, and who are fleeing violence or have been subjected to sexualized violence and exploitation. All governments must ensure that shelters, transitional housing, second-stage housing, and services are appropriate to cultural needs, and available wherever Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people reside.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 4.8

We call upon all governments to ensure that adequate plans and funding are put into place for safe and affordable transit and transportation services and infrastructure for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people living in remote or rural communities. Transportation should be sufficient and readily available to Indigenous communities, and in towns and cities located in all of the provinces and territories in Canada. These plans and funding should take into consideration:

  • ways to increase safe public transit;
  • ways to address the lack of commercial transit available; and
  • special accommodations for fly-in, northern, and remote communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 5.1 to 5.25

Call for Justice 5.1

We call upon all governments to immediately implement the recommendations in relation to the Canadian justice system in: Bridging the Cultural Divide: A Report on Aboriginal People and Criminal Justice in Canada, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996); and the Report of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba: Public Inqui1y into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People (1991 ).

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.2

We call upon the federal government to review and amend the Criminal Code to eliminate definitions of offences that minimize the culpability of the offender.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.3

We call upon the federal government to review and reform the law about sexualized violence and intimate partner violence, utilizing the perspectives of feminist and Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.4

We call upon all governments to immediately and dramatically transform Indigenous policing from its current state as a mere delegation to an exercise in self-governance and self-determination over policing. To do this, the federal government's First Nations Policing Program must be replaced with a new legislative and funding framework, con-sistent with international and domestic policing best practices and standards, that must be developed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. This legislative and funding framework must, at a minimum, meet the following considerations:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.5

We call upon all governments to fund the provision of policing services within Indigenous communities in northern and remote areas in a manner that ensures that those services meet the safety and justice needs of the communities and that the quality of policing services is equitable to that provided to non-Indigenous Canadians. This must include but is not limited to the following measures:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.7

We call upon federal and provincial governments to establish robust and well-funded Indigenous civilian police oversight bodies (or branches within established reputable civilian oversight bodies within a jurisdiction) in all jurisdictions, which must include representation of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, inclusive of diverse Indigenous cultural backgrounds, with the power to:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.9

We call upon all governments to ensure that protection orders are available, accessible, promptly issued, and effectively serviced and resourced to protect the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.10

We call upon all governments to recruit and retain more Indigenous justices of the peace, and to expand their jurisdictions to match that of the Nunavut Justice of the Peace.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.11

We call upon all governments to increase accessibility to meaningful and culturally appropriate justice practices by expanding restorative justice programs and Indigenous Peoples' courts.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.12

We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments to increase Indigenous representation in all Canadian courts, including within the Supreme Court of Canada.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.14

We call upon federal, provincial and territorial governments to thoroughly evaluate the impact of mandatory minimum sentences as it relates to the sentencing and over-incarceration of Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA people and to take appropriate action to address their over-incarceration.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.15

We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments and all actors in the justice system to consider Gladue reports as a right and to resource them appropriately, and to create national standards for Gladue reports, including strength-based reporting.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.16

We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments to provide community based and Indigenous-specific options for sentencing.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.17

We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments to thoroughly evaluate the impacts of Gladue principles and section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code on sentencing equity as it relates to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.18

We call upon the federal government to consider violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people as an aggravating factor at sentencing, and to amend the Criminal Code accordingly, with the passage and enactment of Bill S-215.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.19

We call upon the federal government to include cases where there is a pattern of intimate partner violence and abuse as murder in the first degree under section 222 of the Criminal Code.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.20

We call upon the federal government to implement the Indigenous-specific provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (SC 1992, c.20), sections 79 to 84.1.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action completed

Call for Justice 5.21

We call upon the federal government to fully implement the recommendations in the reports of the Office of the Correctional Investigator and those contained in the Auditor General of Canada (Preparing Indigenous Offenders for Release, Fall 2016); the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015); the report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, Indigenous People in the Federal Correctional System (June 2018); the report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, A Call to Action: Reconciliation with Indigenous Women in the Federal Justice and Corrections Systems (June 2018); and the Commission of Inquiry into certain events at the Prison for Women in Kingston (1996, Arbour Report) in order to reduce the gross overrepresentation of Indigenous women and girls in the criminal justice system.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.22

We call upon the federal government to return women's corrections to the key principles set out in Creating Choices (1990).

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.23

We call upon the federal government to create a Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections to ensure corporate attention to, and accountability regarding, Indigenous issues.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 5.24

We call upon the federal government to amend data collection and intake-screening processes to gather distinctions-based and intersectional data about Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 5.25

We call upon all governments to resource research on men who commit violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 6.1

Call for Justice 6.1

We call upon all media, news corporations and outlets, and, in particular, government funded corporations and outlets; media unions, associations, and guilds; academic institutions teaching journalism or media courses; governments that fund such corporations, outlets, and academic institutions; and journalists, reporters, bloggers, film producers, writers, musicians, music producers, and, more generally, people working in the entertainment industry to take decolonizing approaches to their work and publications in order to educate all Canadians about Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. More specifically, this includes the following:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 7.1 to 7.9

Call for Justice 7.1

We call upon all governments and health service providers to recognize that Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Inuit, and Metis, including 2SLGBTQQIA people - are the experts in caring for and healing themselves, and that health and wellness services are most effective when they are designed and delivered by the Indigenous Peoples they are supposed to serve, in a manner consistent with and grounded in the practices, world views, cultures, languages, and values of the diverse Inuit, Metis, and First Nations communities they serve.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 7.2

We call upon all governments and health service providers to ensure that health and wellness services for Indigenous Peoples include supports for healing from all forms of unresolved trauma, including intergenerational, multigenerational, and complex trauma. Health and wellness programs addressing trauma should be Indigenous-led, or in part­nership with Indigenous communities, and should not be limited in time or approaches.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 7.3

We call upon all governments and health service providers to support Indigenous-led prevention initiatives in the areas of health and community awareness, including, but not limited to programming:

  • for Indigenous men and boys;
  • related to suicide prevention strategies for youth and adults;
  • related to sexual trafficking awareness and no-barrier exiting;
  • specific to safe and healthy relationships;
  • specific to mental health awareness; and
  • related to 2SLGBTQQIA issues and sex positivity.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 7.4

We call upon all governments and health service providers to provide necessary resources, including funding, to support the revitalization of Indigenous health, wellness, and child and Elder care practices. For healing, this includes teachings that are land-based and about harvesting and the use of Indigenous medicines for both ceremony and health issues. This may also include: matriarchal teachings on midwifery and post-natal care for both woman and child; early childhood health care; palliative care; Elder care and care homes to keep Elders in their home communities as valued Knowledge Keepers; and other measures. Specific programs may include but are not limited to correctional facilities, healing centres, hospitals, and rehabilitation centres.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 7.5

We call upon governments, institutions, organizations, and essential and non-essential service providers to support and provide permanent and necessary resources for specialized intervention, healing and treatment programs, and services and initiatives offered in Indigenous languages.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 7.6

We call upon institutions and health service providers to ensure that all persons involved in the provision of health services to Indigenous Peoples receive ongoing training, education, and awareness in areas including, but not limited to:

  • the history of colonialism in the oppression and genocide of lnuit, Metis, and First Nations Peoples;
  • anti-bias and anti-racism;
  • local language and culture; and
  • local health and healing practices.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 7.7

We call upon all governments, educational institutions, and health and wellness professional bodies to encourage, support, and equitably fund Indigenous people to train and work in the area of health and wellness.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 7.8

We call upon all governments and health service providers to create effective and well-funded opportunities, and to provide socio-economic incentives, to encourage Indigenous people to work within the health and wellness field and within their communities. This includes taking positive action to recruit, hire, train, and retain long-term staff and local Indigenous community members for health and wellness services offered in all Indigenous communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 7.9

We call upon all health service providers to develop and implement awareness and education programs for Indigenous children and youth on the issue of grooming for exploitation and sexual exploitation.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 8.1

Call for Justice 8.1

We call upon all transportation service providers and the hospitality industry to undertake training to identify and respond to sexual exploitation and human trafficking, as well as the development and implementation of reporting policies and practices.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 9.1 to 9.11

Call for Justice 9.1

We call upon all police services and justice system actors to acknowledge that the historical and current relationship between Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people and the justice system has been largely defined by colonialism, racism, bias, discrimination, and fundamental cultural and societal differences. We further call upon all police services and justice system actors to acknowledge that, going forward, this relationship must be based on respect and understanding, and must be led by, and in partnerships with, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 9.2

We call upon all actors in the justice system, including police services, to build respectful working relationships with Indigenous Peoples by knowing, understanding, and respecting the people they are serving. Initiatives and actions should include, but are not limited to, the following measures:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 9.3

We call upon all governments to fund an increase in recruitment of Indigenous Peoples to all police services, and for all police services to include representation of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, inclusive of diverse Indigenous cultural backgrounds, within their ranks. This includes measures such as the following:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.4

We call upon non-Indigenous police services to ensure they have the capacity and resources to serve and protect Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. We further call upon all non-Indigenous police services to establish specialized Indigenous policing units within their services located in cities and regions with Indigenous populations.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.5

We call upon all police services for the standardization of protocols for policies and practices that ensure that all cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are thoroughly investigated. This includes the following measures:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 9.6

We call upon all police services to establish an independent, special investigation unit for the investigation of incidents of failures to investigate, police misconduct, and all forms of discriminatory practices and mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples within their police service. This special investigation unit must be transparent in practice and report at least annually to Indigenous communities, leadership, and people in their jurisdiction.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.7

We call upon all police services to partner with front-line organizations that work in service delivery, safety, and harm reduction for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to expand and strengthen police services delivery.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.8

We call upon all police services to establish and engage with a civilian Indigenous advisory committee for each police service or police division, and to establish and engage with a local civilian Indigenous advisory committee to advise the detachment operating within the Indigenous community.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.9

We call upon all levels of government and all police services for the establishment of a national task force, comprised of an independent, highly qualified, and specialized team of investigators, to review and, if required, to reinvestigate each case of all unresolved files of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people from across Canada. Further, this task force must disclose to families and to survivors all non-privileged information and findings.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.10

We call upon all police services to voluntarily produce all unresolved cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to the national task force.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 9.11

We call upon all police services to develop and implement guidelines for the policing of the sex industry in consultation with women engaged in the sex industry, and to create a specific complaints mechanism about police for those in the sex industry.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 10.1

Call for Justice 10.1

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and Canadian law societies and bar associations, for mandatory intensive and periodic training of Crown attorneys, defence lawyers, court staff, and all who participate in the criminal justice system, in the area of Indigenous cultures and histories, including distinctions-based training. This includes, but is not limited to, the following measures:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 11.1 to 11.2

Call for Justice 11.1

We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience. All curriculum development and programming should be done in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, especially Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. Such education and awareness must include historical and current truths about the genocide against Indigenous Peoples through state laws, policies, and colonial practices. It should include, but not be limited to, teaching Indigenous history, law, and practices from Indigenous perspectives and the use of Their Voices Will Guide Us with children and youth.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 11.2

We call upon all educational service providers to develop and implement awareness and education programs for Indigenous children and youth on the issue of grooming for exploitation and sexual exploitation.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 12.1 to 12.15

Call for Justice 12.1

We call upon all federal, provincial, and territorial governments to recognize Indigenous self-determination and inherent jurisdiction over child welfare. Indigenous governments and leaders have a positive obligation to assert jurisdiction in this area. We further assert that it is the responsibility of Indigenous governments to take a role in intervening, advocating, and supporting their members impacted by the child welfare system, even when not exercising jurisdiction to provide services through Indigenous agencies.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.2

We call upon on all governments, including Indigenous governments, to transform current child welfare systems fundamentally so that Indigenous communities have control over the design and delivery of services for their families and children. These services must be adequately funded and resourced to ensure better support for families and communities to keep children in their family homes.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.3

We call upon all governments and Indigenous organizations to develop and apply a definition of best interests of the child" based on distinct Indigenous perspectives, world views, needs, and priorities, including the perspective of Indigenous children and youth. The primary focus and objective of all child and family services agencies must be upholding and protecting the rights of the child through ensuring the health and well-being of children, their families, and communities, and family unification and reunification.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.4

We call upon all governments to prohibit the apprehension of children on the basis of poverty and cultural bias. All governments must resolve issues of poverty, inadequate and substandard housing, and lack of financial support for families, and increase food security to ensure that Indigenous families can succeed.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.5

We call upon all levels of government for financial supports and resources to be provided so that family or community members of children of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are capable of caring for the children left behind. Further, all governments must ensure the availability and accessibility of specialized care, such as grief, loss, trauma, and other required services, for children left behind who are in care due to the murder or disappearance of their caregiver.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.6

We call upon all governments and child welfare services to ensure that, in cases where apprehension is not avoidable, child welfare services prioritize and ensure that a family member or members, or a close community member, assumes care of Indigenous children. The caregivers should be eligible for financial supports equal to an amount that might otherwise be paid to a foster family, and will not have other government financial support or benefits removed or reduced by virtue of receiving additional financial sup–ports for the purpose of caring for the child. This is particularly the case for children who lose their mothers to violence or to institutionalization and are left behind, needing family and belonging to heal.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.7

We call upon all governments to ensure the availability and accessibility of distinctions-based and culturally safe culture and language programs for Indigenous children in the care of child welfare.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.9

We call for the establishment of a Child and Youth Advocate in each jurisdiction with a specialized unit with the mandate of Indigenous children and youth. These units must be established within a period of one year of this report. We call upon the federal govern–ment to establish a National Child and Youth Commissioner who would also serve as a special measure to strengthen the framework of accountability for the rights of Indigenous children in Canada. This commissioner would act as a national counterpart to the child advocate offices that exist in nearly all provinces and territories.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 12.10

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to immediately adopt the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal 2017 CHRT 14 standards regarding the implementation of Jordan's Principle in relation to all First Nations (Status and non-Status), Metis, and Inuit children. We call on governments to modify funding formulas for the provision of services on a needs basis, and to prioritize family support, reunification, and prevention of harms. Funding levels must represent the principle of substantive equity.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.11

We call upon all levels of government and child welfare services for a reform of laws and obligations with respect to youth "aging out" of the system, including ensuring a complete network of support from childhood into adulthood, based on capacity and needs, which includes opportunities for education, housing, and related supports. This includes the provision of free post-secondary education for all children in care in Canada.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.12

We call upon all child and family services agencies to engage in recruitment efforts to hire and promote Indigenous staff, as well as to promote the intensive and ongoing training of social workers and child welfare staff in the following areas:

  • history of the child welfare system in the oppression and genocide of Indigenous Peoples;
  • anti-racism and anti-bias training;
  • local culture and language training; and
  • sexual exploitation and trafficking training to recognize signs and develop specialized responses.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 12.13

We call upon all governments and child welfare-agencies to fully implement the Spirit Bear Plan.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 12.14

We call upon all child welfare agencies to establish more rigorous requirements for safety, harm-prevention, and needs-based services within group or care homes, as well as within foster situations, to prevent the recruitment of children in care into the sex industry. We also insist that governments provide appropriate care and services, over the long term, for children who have been exploited or trafficked while in care.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 12.15

We call upon child welfare agencies and all governments to fully investigate deaths of Indigenous youth in care.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 13.2 to 13.5

Call for Justice 13.2

We call upon all governments and bodies mandated to evaluate, approve, and/or monitor development projects to complete gender-based socio-economic impact assessments on all proposed projects as part of their decision making and ongoing monitoring of projects. Project proposals must include provisions and plans to mitigate risks and impacts identified in the impact assessments prior to being approved.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 13.3

We call upon all parties involved in the negotiations of impact benefit agreements related to resource-extraction and development projects to include provisions that address the impacts of projects on the safety and security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. Provisions must also be included to ensure that Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA people equitably benefit from the projects.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 13.4

We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to fund further inquiries and studies in order to better understand the relationship between resource extraction and other development projects and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. At a minimum, we support the call of Indigenous women and leaders for a public inquiry into the sexual violence and racism at hydroelectric projects in northern Manitoba.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 13.5

We call upon resource-extraction and development industries and all governments and service providers to anticipate and recognize increased demand on social infrastructure because of development projects and resource extraction, and for mitigation measures to be identified as part of the planning and approval process. Social infrastructure must be expanded and service capacity built to meet the anticipated needs of the host communities in advance of the start of projects. This includes but is not limited to ensuring that policing, social services, and health services are adequately staffed and resourced.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 14.1 to 14.13

Call for Justice 14.1

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to take urgent action to establish facilities described under sections 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people have options for decarceration. Such facilities must be strategically located to allow for localized placements and mother-and-child programming.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 14.2

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to ensure that facilities established under sections 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act receive funding par–ity with Correctional Service Canada-operated facilities. The agreements made under these sections must transfer authority, capacity, resources, and support to the contracting community organization.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.3

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to immediately rescind the maximum security classification that disproportionately limits federally sentenced Indigenous women classified at that level from accessing services, supports, and programs required to facilitate their safe and timely reintegration.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.4

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to evaluate, update, and develop security classification scales and tools that are sensitive to the nuances of Indigenous backgrounds and realities.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 14.5

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to apply Gladue factors in all decision making concerning Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA people and in a manner that meets their needs and rehabilitation.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.6

We call upon Correctional Service Canada and provincial and territorial services to provide intensive and comprehensive mental health, addictions, and trauma services for incarcerated Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, ensuring that the term of care is needs-based and not tied to the duration of incarceration. These plans and services must follow the individuals as they reintegrate into the community.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 14.7

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to prohibit transfer of federally incarcerated women in need of mental health care to all-male treatment centres.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.8

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to ensure its correctional facilities and programs recognize the distinct needs of Indigenous offenders when designing and implementing programming for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis women. Correctional Service Canada must use culturally safe, distinctions-based, and trauma-informed models of care, adapted to the needs of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 14.9

We call upon Correctional Service Canada, in order to support reintegration, to increase opportunities for meaningful vocational training, secondary school graduation, and post–secondary education.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.10

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to increase and enhance the role and participation of Elders in decision making for all aspects of planning for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.11

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to expand mother-and-child programming and to establish placement options described in sections 81 and 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to ensure that mothers and their children are not separated.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.12

We call upon Correctional Service Canada and provincial and territorial correctional services to provide programming for men and boys that confronts and ends violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 14.13

We call upon Correctional Service Canada to eliminate the practice of strip-searches.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 16.1 to 16.46

Call for Justice 16.1

We call upon all governments to honour all socio-economic commitments as defined in land claims agreements and self-government agreements between Inuit and the Crown. These commitments must be upheld and implemented. Articles 23 and 24 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and commitments by governments to provide for the housing and economic needs of Inuit, must be fully complied with and implemented.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.2

We call upon all governments to create laws and services to ensure the protection and revitalization of Inuit culture and language. All Inuit, including those living outside Inuit Nunangat, must have equitable access to culture and language programs. It is essential that Elders are included in the development and delivery of these programs.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.3

We call upon all governments with jurisdiction in Inuit Nunangat to recognize Inuktut as the founding language, and it must be given official language status through language laws. Inuktut must be afforded the same recognition and protection and promotion as English and French within Inuit Nunangat, and all governments and agencies providing services to Inuit must ensure access to services in Inuktut, and invest in the capacity to be able to do so. Furthermore, all government and agency service providers must be culturally competent and educated in Inuit culture, laws, values, and history, also well as the history of colonial violence perpetuated by the Canadian state and government agents against Inuit.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.4

Given that the intergenerational transfer of Inuit knowledge, values, and language is a right that must be upheld, we call upon all governments to fund and support the recording of Inuit knowledge about culture, laws, values, spirituality, and history prior to and since the start of colonization. Further, this knowledge must be accessible and taught to all Inuit, by Inuit. It is imperative that educational institutions prioritize the teaching of this knowledge to Inuit children and youth within all areas of the educational curriculum.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.5

Given that reliable high-speed Internet services and telecommunications are necessary for Inuit to access government services and to engage in the Canadian economic, cultural, and political life, we call upon governments with jurisdiction in Inuit Nunagat to invest the infrastructure to ensure all Inuit have access to high-speed Internet.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.6

We call upon all governments and Inuit organizations to work collaboratively to ensure that population numbers for Inuit outside of the Inuit homeland are captured in a disaggregated manner, and that their rights as Inuit are upheld. These numbers are urgently needed to identify the growing, social, economic, political, and cultural needs of urban Inuit.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.7

We call upon all governments to ensure the availability of effective, culturally appropriate, and accessible health and wellness services within each Inuit community. The design and delivery of these services must be inclusive of Elders and people with lived experience. Closing the service and infrastructure gaps in the following areas is urgently needed, and requires action by all governments. Required measures include but are not limited to:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.8

We call upon all governments to invest in the recruitment and capacity building of lnuit within the medical, health, and wellness service fields. Training and competency in both contemporary and Inuit medical, health, and wellness practices and methodologies are essential for effective services in these fields.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.9

We call upon the Government of Canada, in partnership with Inuit, to establish and resource an Inuit Healing and Wellness Fund to support grassroots and community-led programs. This fund must be permanently resourced and must be administered by Inuit and independent from government.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.10

We call upon all governments to develop policies and programs to include healing and health programs within educational systems. These programs must be Inuit-led and must provide the resources to teach Inuit children Inuit-appropriate socio-emotional coping skills, pride, and capacity.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.11

Given that healing occurs through the expression of art and culture, we call upon all governments within Inuit Nunangat to invest in Inuit artistic expression in all its forms through the establishment of infrastructure and by ensuring sustainable funds are available and accessible for Inuit artists.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.12

We call upon all governments and service providers to ensure that Inuit men and boys are provided services that are gender- and Inuit-specific to address historic and ongoing trauma they are experiencing. These programs must be Inuit-led and -run, and must be well resourced and accessible.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.13

We call upon all governments to take all measures required to implement the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy with Inuit nationally and regionally, through Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.14

We call upon all federal, provincial, and territorial governments to review and amend laws in relation to child and family services to ensure they uphold the rights of Inuit children and families and conform to Inuit laws and values. Inuit parents and guardians must be provided access to Inuit-specific parenting and caregiving teachings and services.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.15

In light of the multijurisdictional nature of child and family services as they currently operate for Inuit in Canada, we call upon the federal government, in partnership with Inuit, to establish and fund an Inuit Child and Youth Advocate with jurisdiction over all Inuit children in care. In the absence of a federally mandated Inuit Child and Youth Advocate, we call on all provinces and territories with Inuit children in their care to each establish Inuit-specific child and youth advocates.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.16

We call upon all government agencies providing child and family services to Inuit children to enumerate and report on the number of Inuit children in their care. This data must be disaggregated and the reports must be shared with Inuit organizations and Inuit child and youth advocates.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.17

We call upon all governments to prioritize supporting Inuit families and communities to meet the needs of Inuit children, recognizing that apprehension must occur only when absolutely required to protect a child. Placement of Inuit children with extended family and in Inuit homes must be prioritized and resourced. Placement outside of their com­munities and outside their homelands must be restricted.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.18

We call upon all governments to respect the rights of Inuit children and people in care, including those who are placed in care outside of their Inuit homelands. All governments must ensure that children and people in care have access to their families and kinship systems and have meaningful access to their culture and language and to culturally relevant services. All child and family services agencies must work with Inuit communities within their jurisdiction to meet their obligations to Inuit children in their care. We call upon all governments to immediately invest in safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing within Inuit communities and for Inuit outside of their homelands, given the links between the housing crisis and violence, poor health (including tuberculosis and suicide. Immediate and directed measures are required to end the crisis.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.19

We call upon all governments to develop and fund safe houses, shelters, transition houses, and second-stage housing for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people fleeing violence. These houses and shelters are required in all Inuit communities and in urban centres with large Inuit populations. Shelters must not require full occupancy to remain open and to receive funding. Further, they must be independent from child and family services agencies, as women may not seek shelter due to fear of agency involvement. This action includes the establishment and funding of shelters and safe spaces for families, children, and youth, including Inuit who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA, who are facing socio-economic crises in all Inuit communities and in urban centres with large Inuit populations.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.20

We call upon all governments to support the establishment of programs and services designed to financially support and promote Inuit hunting and harvesting in all Inuit communities. All governments with jurisdiction in Inuit Nunangat must immediately increase minimum wage rates and increase social assistance rates to meet the needs of Inuit and to match the higher cost of living in Inuit communities. A guaranteed annual livable income model, recognizing the right to income security, must be developed and implemented.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.21

We call upon all governments to ensure equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities and outcomes from early childhood education to post-secondary education within Inuit communities. Further, all governments must invest in providing Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people with accessible and equitable economic opportunities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.22

We call upon all governments to fund and to support culturally and age-appropriate programs for Inuit children and youth to learn about developing interpersonal relationships. These programs could include, for example, training in developing healthy relationships and personal well-being and traditional parenting skills. Furthermore, Inuit children and youth must be taught how to identify violence through the provision of age-appropriate educational programs like the Good Touch/Bad Touch program offered in Nunavik.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.23

We call upon all governments to work with Inuit to provide public awareness and education to combat the normalization of domestic violence and sexualized violence against Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people; to educate men and boys about the unacceptability of violence against Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people; and to raise awareness and education about the human rights and Indigenous rights of Inuit.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.24

We call upon all governments to fund and to support programs for Inuit children and youth to teach them how to respond to threats and identify exploitation. This is particularly the case with respect to the threats of drugs and drug trafficking as well as sexual exploitation and human trafficking. This awareness and education work must be culturally and age-appropriate and involve all members of the community, including 2SLGBIQQIA Inuit.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.25

We call upon all educators to ensure that the education system, from early childhood to post-secondary, reflects Inuit culture, language, and history. The impacts and history of colonialism and its legacy and effects must also be taught. Successful educational achievements are more likely to be attained and be more meaningful for Inuit when they reflect their socio-economic, political, and cultural reality and needs. Further, we call upon all governments with jurisdiction over education within the Inuit homeland to amend laws, policies, and practices to ensure that the education system reflects Inuit culture, language, and history.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.26

We call upon all governments to establish more post-secondary options within Inuit Nunangat to build capacity and engagement in Inuit self-determination in research and academia. We call on all governments to invest in the establishment of an accredited university within Inuit Nunangat.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.27

We call upon all governments to ensure that in all areas of service delivery – including but not limited to policing, the criminal justice system, education, health, and social services - there be ongoing and comprehensive Inuit-specific cultural competency training for public servants. There must also be ongoing and comprehensive training in such areas as trauma care, cultural safety training, anti-racism training, and education with respect to the historical and ongoing colonialism to which Inuit have been and are subjected.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.28

Given that the failure to invest in resources required for treatment and rehabilitation has resulted in the failure of section 718(e) of the Criminal Code and the Gladue principles to meet their intended objectives, we call upon all governments to invest in Inuit-specific treatment and rehabilitation services to address the root causes of violent behaviour. This must include but is not limited to culturally appropriate and accessible mental health services, trauma and addictions services, and access to culture and language for Inuit. Justice system responses to violence must ensure and promote the safety and security of all Inuit, and especially that of Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.29

We call upon all governments and service providers, in full partnership with Inuit, to design and provide wraparound, accessible, and culturally appropriate victim services. These services must be available and accessible to all Inuit and in all Inuit communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.30

We call upon Correctional Service Canada and provincial and territorial corrections services to recognize and adopt an Inuit Nunangat model of policy, program, and service development and delivery. This is required to ensure that Inuit in correctional facilities get the Inuit-specific treatment and rehabilitation programs and services they need. Further, it will ensure that Inuit women can remain within their Inuit homelands and are able to maintain ties with their children and families. Correctional Service Canada and provincial and territorial correctional services must ensure that effective, needs-based, and culturally and linguistically appropriate correctional services are made available for Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people in custody. Inuit men and boys in custody must also receive specialized programs and services to address their treatment and rehabilitation needs and to address the root causes of violent behaviour. We call upon Correctional Service Canada to support and equitably fund the establishment of facilities and spaces as described in section 81 and section 84 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, within all Inuit regions.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.31

We call upon Correctional Service Canada and provincial and territorial correctional services to amend their intake and data-collection policies and practices to ensure that distinctions-based information about Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people is accurately captured and monitored. All correctional services must report annually to Inuit representative organizations on the number of Inuit women within Correctional Service' care and custody.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.32

We call upon police services, in particular the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), to ensure there is Inuit representation among sworn officers and civilian staff within Inuit communities. Inuit are entitled to receive police services in Inuktut and in a culturally competent and appropriate manner. The RCMP must ensure they have the capacity to uphold this right. Within the Nunavut Territory, and in accordance with Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the RCMP has obligations to recruit, train, and retain Inuit. The RCMP must take immediate and directed measures to ensure the number of lnuit within the RCMP in Nunavut, and throughout the Inuit homelands, is proportionally representative.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.33

We call upon all governments to invest in capacity building, recruitment, and training to achieve proportional representation of lnuit throughout public service in Inuit homelands.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.34

Within the Nunavut Territory, we call upon the federal and territorial governments to fully implement the principles and objectives of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Proportional representation is an imperative in the arenas of public services and, in particular, the child welfare system, social services, the criminal justice system, police services, the courts, and corrections throughout Inuit Nunangat.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.35

We call upon the federal government and the Province of Quebec to ensure the intent and objectives of the policing provisions of the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement are fully implemented, including Inuit representation, participation, and control over policing services within Nunavik. The federal government and the government of Quebec must ensure the Kativik Regional Police Force (KRPF) is resourced and provided with the legal capacity to provide Nunavik Inuit with effective and substantively equitable policing services. Urgent investments are required to ensure that the KRPF has the infrastructure and human resource capacity to meet its obligations to provide competent, Inuit-specific policing services.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.36

We call upon all governments to ensure there are police services in all Inuit communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.37

We call upon all governments within Inuit Nunangat to amend laws, policies, and practices to reflect and recognize Inuit definitions of "family," "kinship," and "customs" to respect Inuit family structures.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.38

We call upon all service providers working with Inuit to amend policies and practices to facilitate multi-agency interventions, particularly in cases of domestic violence, sexualized violence, and poverty. Further, in response to domestic violence, early intervention and prevention programs and services must be prioritized.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.39

We call upon all governments to support and fund the establishment of culturally appropriate and effective child advocacy centres like the Umingmak Centre, the first child advocacy centre in Nunavut, throughout the Inuit homeland.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.40

We call upon all governments to focus on the well-being of children and to develop responses to adverse childhood experiences that are culturally appropriate and evidence–based. This must include but is not limited to services such as intervention and counselling for children who have been sexually and physically abused.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.41

We call upon governments and Inuit representative organizations to work with Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to identify barriers and to promote their equal representation within governance, and work to support and advance their social, economic, cultural, and political rights. Inuit women, Elders, youth, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA people must be given space within governance systems in accordance with their civil and political rights.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.42

We call upon the federal government to ensure the Iong-term, sustainable, and equitable funding of Inuit women's, youths', and 2SLGBTQQIA people's groups. Funding must meet the capacity needs and respect Inuit self-determination, and must not be tied to the priorities and agenda of federal, provincial, or territorial governments.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.43

We call upon all governments and service providers within the Inuit homelands to ensure there are robust oversight mechanisms established to ensure services are delivered in a manner that is compliant with the human rights and Indigenous rights of Inuit. These mechanisms must be accessible and provide for meaningful recourse.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.44

We call upon all governments to ensure the collection of disaggregated data in relation to Inuit to monitor and report on progress and the effectiveness of laws, policies, and services designed to uphold the social, economic, political, and cultural rights and well–being of Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. Monitoring and data collection must recognize Inuit self-determination and must be conducted in partnership with Inuit. Within any and all mechanisms established to oversee and monitor the implementation of the National Inquiry's recommendations, we call upon all governments to ensure the equitable and meaningful involvement of lnuit governments and representative organi­zations, including those of lnuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 16.45

We call upon the federal government to acknowledge the findings of the Qikiqtani Truth Commission and to work to implement the recommendations therein in partnership with Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Inuit of the Qikiqtaaluk region.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 16.46

Many people continue to look for information and the final resting place of their lost loved one. The federal government, in partnership with Inuit, has established the Nanilavut project. We recognize the significance of the project as an important step in healing and Inuit self-determination in the healing and reconciliation process. We call upon the federal government to support the work of the Nanilavut project on a long-term basis, with sustained funding so that it can continue to serve Inuit families as they look for answers to the questions of what happened to their loved ones. We further insist that it must provide for the option of repatriation of the remains of lost loved ones once they· are located.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Calls for Justice 17.1 to 17.29

Call for Justice 17.1

We call upon the federal government to uphold its constitutional responsibility to Metis people and to non-Status people in the provision of all programs and services that fall under its responsibility.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.2

We call upon the federal government to pursue the collection and dissemination of disaggregated data concerning violence against Metis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, including barriers they face in accessing their rights to safety, informed by Metis knowledge and experiences. We also call upon the federal government to support and fund research that highlights distinctive Metis experiences, including the gathering of more stories specific to Metis perspectives on violence.

Jurisdiction: Federal

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.3

We call upon all governments to ensure equitable representation of Metis voices in policy development, funding, and service delivery, and to include Metis voices and perspectives in decision-making, including Metis 2SLGBTQQIA people and youth, and to implement self-determined and culturally specific solutions for Metis people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.4

We call upon all governments to fund and support Metis-specific programs and services that meet the needs of Metis people in an equitable manner, and dedicated Metis advocacy bodies and institutions, including but not limited to Metis health authorities and Metis child welfare agencies.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.5

We call upon all governments to eliminate barriers to accessing programming and services for Metis, including but not limited to barriers facing Metis who do not reside in their home province.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.6

We call upon all governments to pursue the implementation of a distinctions-based approach that takes into account the unique history of Metis communities and people, including the way that many issues have been largely ignored by levels of government and now present barriers to safety.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.7

We call upon all governments to fund and to support culturally appropriate programs and services for Metis people living in urban centres, including those that respect the internal diversity of Metis communities with regards to spirituality, gender identity, and cultural identity.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.8

We call upon all governments, in partnership with Metis communities, organizations, and individuals, to design mandatory, ongoing cultural competency training for public servants (including staff working in policing, justice, education, health care, social work, and government) in areas such as trauma-informed care, cultural safety training, anti–racism training, and understanding of Metis culture and history.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.9

We call upon all governments to provide safe transportation options, particularly in rural, remote, and northern communities, including "safe rides" programs, and to monitor high recruitment areas where Metis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA individuals may be more likely to be targeted.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.10

We call upon all governments to respect Metis rights and individuals' self-identification as Metis.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.11

We call upon all governments to support and fund dialogue and relationships between Metis and First Nations communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.12

We call upon police services to build partnerships with Metis communities, organizations, and people to ensure culturally safe access to police services.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.13

We call upon police services to engage in education about the unique history and needs of Metis communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.14

We call upon police services to establish better communication with Metis communities and populations through representative advisory boards that involve Metis communities and address their needs.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.15

We call upon all governments to fund the expansion of community-based security models that include Metis perspectives and people, such as local peacekeeper officers or programs such as the Bear Clan Patrol.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.16

We call upon all governments to provide support for self-determined and culturally specific needs-based child welfare services for Metis families that are focused on prevention and maintenance of family unity. These services will also focus on: avoiding the need for foster care; restoring family unity and providing support for parents trying to reunite with children; healing for parents; and developing survivor-led programs to improve family safety. These services include culturally grounded parenting education and interventions that support the whole family, such as substance abuse treatment programs that accommodate parents with children and that are specifically suited to Me' tis-needs-and realities. We also call upon all governments to provide long-term-stable funding for wraparound services and exceptional programs aimed at keeping Metis families together.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.17

We call upon all governments to provide more funding and support for Metis child welfare agencies and for child placements in Metis homes.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.18

We call upon all governments to establish and maintain funding for cultural programming for Metis children in foster care, especially when they are placed in non–Indigenous or non-Metis families.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.19

We call upon all governments to address Metis unemployment and poverty as a way to prevent child apprehension.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.20

We call upon all governments to fund and support programs for Metis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, including more access to traditional healing programs, treatment centres for youth, family support and violence prevention funding and initiatives for Metis, and the creation of no-barrier safe spaces, including spaces for Metis mothers and families in need.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.21

We call upon the federal government to recognize and fulfill its obligations to the Metis people in all areas, especially in health, and further call upon all governments for serv–ices such as those under FNIHB to be provided to Metis and non-Status First Nations Peoples in an equitable manner consistent with substantive human rights standards.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.22

We call upon all governments to respect and to uphold the full implementation of Jordan's Principle with reference to the Metis.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.23

We call upon all governments to provide Metis-specific programs and services that address emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of well-being, including coordinated or co-located services to offer holistic wraparound care, as well as increased mental health and healing and cultural supports.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.24

We call upon all governments and educators to fund and establish Metis-led programs and initiatives to address a lack of knowledge about the Metis people and culture within Canadian society, including education and advocacy that highlights the positive history and achievements of Metis people and increases the visibility, understanding, and appreciation of Metis people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 17.25

We call upon all governments to fund programs and initiatives that create greater access to cultural knowledge and foster a positive sense of cultural identity among Metis communities. These include initiatives that facilitate connections with family, land, community, and culture; culturally specific programming for Metis 2SLGBTQQIA people and youth; events that bring Metis Elders, Knowledge Keepers and youth together; and mentorship programs that celebrate and highlight Metis role models.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.26

We call upon all governments to fund and support cultural programming that helps to revitalize the practise of Metis culture, including integrating Metis history and Metis languages into elementary and secondary school curricula, and programs and initiatives to help Metis people explore their family heritage and identity and reconnect with the land.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.27

We call upon all governments to pursue the development of restorative justice and rehabilitation programs, including within correctional facilities, specific to Metis needs and cultural realities, to help address root causes of violence and reduce recidivism, and to support healing for victims, offenders, and their families and communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.28

We call upon all governments to provide increased victim support services specific to Metis needs to help Metis victims and families navigate the legal system and to support their healing and well-being throughout the process of seeking justice.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 17.29

We call upon all actors within the justice system to engage in education and training regarding the history and contemporary realities of Metis experiences.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Calls for Justice 18.1 to 18.32

Call for Justice 18.1

We call upon all governments and service providers to fund and support greater awareness of 2SLGBTQQIA issues, and to implement programs, services, and practical supports for 2SLGBTQQIA people that include distinctions-based approaches that take into account the unique challenges to safety for 2SLGBTQQIA individuals and groups.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.2

We call upon all governments and service providers to be inclusive of all perspectives in decision making, including those of 2SLGBTQQIA people and youth.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.3

We call upon all governments, service providers, and those involved in research to change the way data is collected about 2SLGBTQQIA people to better reflect the presence of individuals and communities, and to improve the inclusion of 2SLGBTQQIA people in research, including 2SLGBTQQIA-led research.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.4

We call upon all governments, service providers, and those involved in research to modify data collection methods to:

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 18.5

We call upon all governments and service providers to ensure that all programs and services have 2SLGBTQQIA front-line staff and management, that 2SLGBTQQIA peo–ple are provided with culturally specific support services, and that programs and spaces are co-designed to meet the needs of 2SLGBTQQIA clients in their communities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.6

We call upon all governments and service providers to fund and support youth programs, including mentorship, leadership, and support services that are broadly accessible and reach out to 2SLGBTQQIA individuals.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.7

We call upon all governments and service providers to increase support for existing successful grassroots initiatives, including consistent core funding.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.8

We call upon all governments and service providers to support networking and community building for 2SLGBTQQIA people who may be living in different urban centres (and rural and remote areas), and to increase opportunities for 2SLGBTQQIA networking, collaboration, and peer support through a national organization, regional organizations, advocacy body, and/or a task force dedicated to advancing action to support the well-being of Indigenous 2SLGBTQQ1Apersons in Canada.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.10

We call upon all governments and service providers to provide safe and dedicated ceremony and cultural places and spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA youth and adults, and to advocate for 2SLGBTQQIA inclusion in all cultural spaces and ceremonies. These 2SLGBTQQIA-inclusive spaces must be visibly indicated as appropriate.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.11

We call upon all governments, service providers, industry, and institutions to accommodate non-binary gender identities in program and service design, and offer gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms in facilities.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.12

We call upon all police services to better investigate crimes against 2SLGBTQQIA people, and ensure accountability for investigations and handling of cases involving 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.13

We call upon all police services to engage in education regarding 2SLGBTQQIA people and experiences to address discrimination, especially homophobia and transphobia, in policing.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.14

We call upon all police services to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of 2SLGBTQQIA people in the sex industry.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.15

We call upon all governments, educators, and those involved in research to support and conduct research and knowledge gathering on pre-colonial knowledge and teachings about the place, roles, and responsibilities of 2SLGBTQQIA people within their respective communities, to support belonging, safety, and well-being.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.16

We call upon all governments and educators to fund and support specific Knowledge Keeper gatherings on the topic of reclaiming and re-establishing space and community for 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.17

We call upon all governments, service providers, and educators to fund and support the re-education of communities and individuals who have learned to reject 2SLGBTQQIA people, or who deny their important history and contemporary place within communities and in ceremony, and to address transphobia and homophobia in communities (for example, with anti-transphobia and anti-homophobia programs), to ensure cultural access for 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.18

We call upon all governments and service providers to educate service providers on the realities of 2SLGBTQQIA people and their distinctive needs, and to provide mandatory cultural competency training for all social service providers, including Indigenous studies, cultural awareness training, trauma-informed care, anti-oppression training, and training on 2SLGBTQQIA inclusion within an Indigenous context (including an under–standing of 2SLGBTQQIA identities and Indigenous understandings of gender and sexual orientation). 2SLGBTQQIA people must be involved in the design and delivery of this training.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.19

We call upon all governments, service providers, and educators to educate the public on the history of non-gender binary people in Indigenous societies, and to use media, in–cluding social media, as a way to build awareness and 1mderstanding of 2SLGBTQQIA issues.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.21

We call upon federal and provincial correctional services to engage in campaigns to build awareness of the dangers of misgendering in correctional systems and facilities and to ensure that the rights of trans people are protected.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.22

We call upon federal and provincial correctional services to provide dedicated 2SLGBTQQIA support services and cultural supports.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.24

We call upon all governments to address homelessness, poverty, and other socio–economic barriers to equitable and substantive rights for 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.25

We call upon all governments to build safe spaces for people who need help and who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, which includes access to safe, dedicated 2SLGBTQQIA shelters and housing, dedicated beds in shelters for trans and non-binary individuals, and 2SLGBTQQIA-specific support services for 2SLGBTQQIA individuals in housing and shelter spaces.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action advanced

Call for Justice 18.26

We call upon health service providers to educate their members about the realities and needs of 2SLGBTQQIA people, and to recognize substantive human rights dimensions to health services for 2SLGBTQQ1A people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.27

We call upon health service providers to provide mental health supports for 2SLGBTQQIA people, including wraparound services that take into account particular barriers to safety for 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.28

We call upon all governments to fund and support, and service providers to deliver, expanded, dedicated health services for 2SLGBTQQIA individuals including health centres, substance use treatment programs, and mental health services and resources.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.29

We call upon all governments and health service providers to create roles for Indigenous care workers who would hold the same authority as community mental health nurses and social workers in terms of advocating for 2SLGBTQQIA clients and testifying in court as recognized professionals.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.30

We call upon federal, provincial, and territorial governments and health service providers to reduce wait times for sex-reassignment surgery.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.31

We call upon all governments and health service providers to provide education for youth about 2SLGBTQQIA health.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Call for Justice 18.32

We call upon child welfare agencies to engage in education regarding the realities and perspectives of 2SLGBTQQIA youth; to provide 2SLGBTQQIA competency training to parents and caregivers, especially to parents of trans children and in communities outside of urban centres; and to engage in and provide education for parents, foster families, and other youth service providers regarding the particular barriers to safety for 2SLGBTQQIA youth.

Jurisdiction: Federal, provincial, territorial

Status: Action not started

Summary of Calls for Justice

Total Calls for Justice: 215

Jurisdiction Breakdown:

  • Federal, provincial, territorial: 186
  • Federal: 29

Status Breakdown:

  • Action advanced: 108
  • Action not started: 105
  • Action completed: 2

16. Summary of Previous APPA appearance by the Department

Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples

Date: December 6, 2023
Time: 6:45 pm. – 8:45 pm.
Report Prepared by: Maya Purakal, Student Analyst

Topic of Meeting

Examine the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and any other subject concerning Indigenous Peoples

Canadian Human Rights Framework

Members in Attendance

Independent Senators Group (ISG)

  • David M. Arnot (Deputy Chair)
  • Mary Coyle
  • Nancy J. Hartling
  • Karen Sorensen
  • René Cormier

Canadian Senators Group (CSG)

  • Dennis Glen Patterson
  • Paul J. Prosper

Progressive Senate Group (PSG)

  • Brian Francis (Chair)

Conservative Party (C)

  • Yonah Martin

Witnesses

Panel One

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

  • Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister
  • Mary-Luisa Kapelus, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction

Panel Two

Assembly of First Nations

  • Joanna Bernard, Interim National Chief
  • Kyrie Ransom, Director of Justice

Métis National Council

  • Cassidy Caron, President

Summary of Speeches

Panel One

Valerie Gideon spoke about addressing MMIWG Call for Justice 1.7 as a way of addressing gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. She spoke about the work being done towards addressing MMIWG recommendations, including the 2021 National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway, annual reports, and the upcoming report by Jennifer Moore Rattray, Ministerial Special Representative, on the Indigenous-led Ombudsperson and Human Rights Tribunal. She highlighted that this report would be presented to CIRNAC Minister Gary Anandasangaree at the end of December. She also spoke about the importance of collaborating with Indigenous partners, and the upcoming second national roundtable that will happen this winter.

Panel Two

Joanna Bernard stated that the Assembly of First Nations is mandated to call on the federal government to implement the National Action Plan and MMIWG Inquiry's Calls to Justice, including Call 1.7. She spoke about the experiences of survivors and family members who had faced violence or racism. She noted that an Indigenous-led Human Rights Tribunal and Ombudsperson must work with different jurisdictions, regions, survivors, families, and in partnership with First Nations. They must also be accessible to all Indigenous people regardless of sex or gender, have mechanisms to examine historical and current MMIWG cases, acknowledge the historical and current legacy of colonialism, allow Indigenous voices to be at the forefront of actions, and be a safe place for Indigenous voices to be heard when colonial systems fail.

Cassidy Caron spoke about the MMIWG2S+ crisis impacting families, causing intergenerational trauma, and being a violation of basic human rights. She emphasized the need for access to remedies under UNDRIP article 40. The Métis National Council calls for the tribunal to be an independent body that is Indigenous-led, distinctions-based, informed by Indigenous customs and legal understandings, and that has the necessary resources to allow for recourse and remedies. She called upon the Department of Justice and the Canadian Government to work with the Métis National Council to recognize, uphold, and remedy basic Indigenous rights.

Key Questions

Panel One

Senator Arnot (ISG) asked how an Indigenous-led human rights framework would enhance current policies and programs for Indigenous people. He also asked if the establishment of the tribunal would impact the strategic direct of CIRNAC, especially in terms of reconciliation and partnership. DM Valerie Gideon stated that she did not want to pre-emp Moore Rattray's report, but noted that the results would be based on the report and engagement with Indigenous partners. She pointed to the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlements as examples of how the current tribunal took a long time and that there were challenges with implementing the decisions. She noted that a tribunal will be more responsive and effective if it is adapted to meet the culture, languages, needs, and context of Indigenous individuals. Mary-Luisa Kapelus added that any framework needs to be co-developed with Indigenous peoples. She noted that Moore Rattray's report will help them have a better understanding of timing and of what Indigenous people want.

Senator Sorensen (ISG) asked for examples from other jurisdictions that are models for establishing Indigenous human rights mechanism. She also asked if UNDRIP could provide guidance to the structures of the two offices. DM Valerie Gideon responded that she did not know of any international models that Canada could follow. She also said that federal departments must review policies using UNDRIP as a lens and ensure that the framework aligns with UNDRIP. She recommended that offices be able to work with core UNDRIP principles, such as self-determination and a recognition of the diversity of Indigenous culture and languages. Mary-Luisa Kapelus spoke about the Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls that was formed between Canada, the United States, and Mexico giving insight into what other countries are doing. She also recommended looking at what Australia and New Zealand are doing.

Senator Coyle (ISG) asked how the Paris Principle and the independence from the Government can be implemented in both the tribunal and Ombudsperson's office. DM Valerie Gideon responded that they would have better answers after Moore Rattray's report comes out. She stated that accountability, transparency, enforceability, and providing supports required for people to fully and equitably go through the process are fundamental aspects that must be considered.

Senator Hartling (ISG) asked about creating culturally safe and trauma-informed offices. DM Valerie Gideon responded that CIRNAC had received funding to support various initiatives for implementing the National Action Plan, but that more would be known in 2-3 years once these initiatives have been implemented and encouraged the Committee to invite CIRNAC officials back after that time to speak about the results. She noted that Budget 2021 had given $2.2 billion in funding for MMIWG-related initiatives, having funded 51 projects, including one specifically focused on being culturally safe. She also noted that ISC's Federal Pathways for Safe Communities initiative has supported innovative non-conventional and community-based initiatives. Mary-Luisa Kapelus added on that the Federal Pathway had culturally safe and trauma-informed as two of its fundamental principles.

Senator Francis (PSG) asked for more information on the trilateral working group. Mary-Luisa Kapelus responded that she had requested a status update on the working group that she would share will the Committee as a follow-up. She noted that the working group had discussed human trafficking, alert systems, and best practices.

Senator Prosper (CSG) asked about how collective rights and UNDA would come together under a tribunal structure. DM Valerie Gideon responded that direct services need to be funded with integrity, culturally safe and federally delivered while also giving room for self-determination and balancing individual and collective rights. She added that she would not know how the tribunal would balance these elements.

Senator Patterson (CSG) asked if the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal worked in the case of the Child Welfare Settlement. He also asked how an Indigenous tribunal would be better. DM Valerie Gideon responded that a new tribunal required a non-adversarial dispute mechanism must have a common interest towards resolution, an expedited process, a common framework around what parties are bringing to the table, and a mandate with specific parameters that is acceptable to all parties. She noted that the Canadian Tribunal was missing a jurisdictional component, as provinces and territories weren't implicated in the Settlement, yet they held jurisdiction over many of the services that impacted child welfare. Senator Patterson asked if the Settlement process could have been improved or sped up with a dispute resolution process or if it had meditation. DM Valerie Gideon responded that it was always possible for parties to mediate, as the Government has been clear about negotiating to the maximum amount possible. She noted that the Child Welfare case had litigation, the claim was placed in abeyance, and a negotiation agreement was brought forward.

Senator Arnot (ISG) asked about lessons learned, what could be done better, and what to do to avoid long process times in reference to the Child Welfare Settlement. DM Valerie Gideon responded that CIRNAC managed childhood claims settlements that were not always under the tribunal, demonstrating that negotiated settlements are possible. She noted that there was not enough experience in departments at the time, but now there were approaches that had shifted towards reconciliation, including DOJ's civil litigation principles and CIRNAC/ISC's mandatory cultural competency training.

Senator Francis (PSG) asked about lessons learned on jurisdictional cooperation from Jordan's Principle. DM Valerie Gideon responded that a distinctions-based approach is very important to the National Action Plan, as you need to frame delivery response in context of where people are living and what they are experiencing. This diversity of experience makes it difficult to create specific frameworks and predict costs, as the system is not currently set up for that kind of process. She added that connections needed to be built with jurisdictions to get them to come together to address gaps.

Senator Cormier (ISG) asked about how the Department will work with other departments to carry out the federal action plan for 2SLGBTQI+ people. DM Valerie Gideon responded that there was $36.2 million over the next 5 years to support Indigenous women and 2SLGBTI+ people and prevent violence. She stated that departments are working together to address this issue and ensure that their plans align under UNDA. Mary-Luisa Kapelus added that there was a lot of interactions with other departments and conversations about holding a roundtable at the end of January. Senator Cormier asked about how the Department was working with the Department of Health to ensure access to healthcare, including AIDS treatment. DM Valerie Gideon spoke about the role of Health Canada, stand-alone interdepartmental committees for the well-being of Indigenous women, and the potential for sub-committees on specific issues.

Panel Two

Senator Francis (PSG) asked about the mandate, responsibilities, and framework of the Indigenous-led tribunal and ombudsperson. Cassidy Caron responded that Jennifer Moore Rattray's upcoming report would provide more answers. She stated the role of the ombudsperson and role of the tribunal should be viewed separately, and that they both required a rights-based and recourse mechanism. Interim Chief Joanna Bernard gave the following recommendations: (1) First Nations participation is essential, (2) needs a distinctions-based approach, (3) appointments must by made by First Nations through their own processes, (4) co-development in place from the start, but the institution must focus on rights-holders to ensure First Nations participation, (5) be consistent with UNDRIP, (6) all levels of government must work with the tribunal, (7) able to give orders so that it can remedy current and historic cases; (8) ability to evaluate legislation and policies, (9) adequate resources provident to ensure independence, and (10) implement mechanisms to ensure success. Kyrie Ransom echoed the need for the offices to have separate overviews.

Senator Sorensen (ISG) asked witnesses to assess the Government's performance in addressing MMIWG. She also asked how the two new offices could reflect the diversity of Indigenous values, culture, and traditions. Joanna Bernard responded that one success does not mean that a body is successful. She noted that only 2 of the 231 Calls for Justice had been worked on and called on the Government to take action. For the second question, she highlighted the need to ensure that First Nations are part of the process from the beginning. Cassidy Caron stated that the Government has a lot more work to be done, especially with jurisdictional issues. For the second question, she stated that it needs to start by working with Metis people to ensure that laws and culture are being reflected. She stated that a pan-Indigenous approach would not work because of this diversity, but that areas of collaboration could work as long as a distinctions-based approach is used and right-holders are heard. Kyrie Ransom added that First Nations wanted meaningful action and an implementation of the Calls for Justice.

Senator Martin (C) asked about the criteria for selecting an ombudsperson. She also asked about barriers that exist in the current system. Joanna Bernard responded that an ombudsperson must know and respect the uniqueness of First Nations and their laws, must focus on being forward First Nations voices, and must understand remoteness, regionality, and other challenges in bringing forward cases. She also stated that they must be of Indigenous ancestry and create a safe space for First Nations to seek justice. Kyrie Ransom listed the following barriers: access to legal services, lack of wrap-around supports, lack of understanding towards cultural protocols and responsiveness, language barriers (especially in remote areas), and a lack of trauma-informed processes.

Senator Coyle (ISG) asked how to require a new tribunal to ensure efficiency. Cassidy Caron responded that a new system is required as the current ombudsperson cannot hold the Government accountable to uphold recommendations. She added that the current tribunal would need to be built with Indigenous traditions from the ground up. Joanna Bernard responded that the current system has too much backlog, so a new system is needed. Kyrie Ransom stated that the ombudsperson needs to be able to cut through red tape, access information that families are having trouble accessing, and hold the Government accountable for upholding recommendations. The tribunal needs to focus on Indigenous people, have expertise that aligns with UNDRIP, and have cultural understanding.

Senator Prosper (CSG) asked if there should be linkages between the two offices. He also asked how a distinctions-based approach would translate across Canada. Joanna Bernard responded that the offices need to have some links so that they can be open to working together and sharing information. Cassidy Caron responded that there should be linkages between the offices, but that they still need to be two separate entities. She noted that Canada cannot hold itself accountable without the input of Indigenous people and that functioning in silos is creating more problems.

Senator Hartling (ISG) asked about impacts from the current tribunal. Joanna Bernard responded that the lack of remedy solutions is creating a lifelong impact that will need to be resolved as soon as possible. She noted that the historical cases are still without a remedy, causing intergenerational trauma and day-to-day struggles. Kyrie Ransom spoke about the impact on children being raised by family members who are still advocating for justice for their loved ones. Cassidy Caron responded that systems keep failing Indigenous people and that data shows that they aren't working for them. She gave an example of the creation of a Metis Court in Saskatchewan, which will use consultation with experts, Elders, and Metis laws to create its mechanisms.

Senator Arnot (ISG) asked about the expectation of timelines for the creation of the two offices. Cassidy Caron expressed her frustration with the recent Cabinet shuffle having significantly showed down the progress and priorities of the Metis National Council's work, as they now have to brief Ministers on key files before Departments move forward with plans. She stressed the importance of having an accountability mechanism.

Follow-up Items

Senator Francis requested a follow-up for more information on Canada, United States, and Mexico's Trilateral Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls. Mary-Luisa Kapelus offered to share a status update to the Committee.

It was indicated that CIRNAC officials may be recalled to the Committee after Jennifer Moore Rattray's report is presented.

17. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Investments

Key Messages

  • Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people remains a top priority and commitment for the Government and is a key component in reconciliation.
  • Budget 2021 invested $18 billion to narrow gaps between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous people. Of that amount, $2.2 billion, and $160.9 million ongoing, is directly dedicated to address root causes that contribute to the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • Budget 2023 invested an additional $124.7 million over six years, with $20.4 million ongoing to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People.
  • Budget 2024 invested $1.3 million over three years to support Indigenous partners in the co-development of a regional pilot for a Red Dress Alert, followed by an assessment of the pilot.

Background

  • In response to the National Inquiry's Call for Justice 1.1, a National Action Plan to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was developed with Indigenous women representing families and survivors, all distinctions, national Indigenous organizations, and academics.
  • As one of the contributing partners, the Government of Canada's chapter is the Federal Pathway, which outlines the Federal commitments under the four themes: Culture, Health and Wellness, Human Safety and Security and Justice.
  • As committed in the Federal Pathway, the Federal Government also released the first Annual Progress Report on June 3, 2022. It provides an overview of the initiatives and how they are linked to the Calls for Justice and a report on what has been achieved in the first year of implementation.
  • The Budget 2023 investments include:
    • $2.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to support the National Family and Survivors Circle and their ongoing work to keep families and survivors at the centre of the implementation of the National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway;
    • $2.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to establish an oversight mechanism to monitor and report on the progress of implementation;
    • $1.6 million over two years to support the work of the Ministerial Special Representative, Jennifer Moore-Rattray to provide advice and recommendations on the creation of an Indigenous and Human Rights Mechanism; and,
    • $2.5 million over five years to establish a Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous table.
  • Budget 2023 also includes $95.8 million for the Department of Justice to help Indigenous families access information about their missing and murdered loved ones, and to enhance victim services to support their healing journeys, and $20 million for Indigenous Services Canada to support Indigenous-led projects for safer communities through the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative.
  • In May 2024, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a partnership to launch a Red Dress Alert pilot, to be developed together with Indigenous partners. The alert system will provide notification when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing. This will be supported by the Budget 2024 investment of $1.3 million over three years.

Key Messages

  • Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program ($108.8 million over two years, 2021-22 to 2022-23)
    • All funds were expended, and some additional funding was secured, so that $120.5 million has been delivered to 66 recipients. This program ended in 2022-23.
  • Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors Program ($12.5 million over five years and $2.5 million per year, starting in 2021-22)
    • All funds for 2021-22 and 2022-23 have been expended including an additional $2.5 million for 2022-23 that was secured through departmental pressures.
    • A total of 32 projects have been funded.
    • The intake process is currently underway for 2024-25.
  • Budget 2023 funding for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations ($36.5 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing)
    • As of September 1, 2023, $29.6M has flowed funding a total 41 projects.
  • National Indigenous Led-Data Research Projects Program ($6.5 million over six years)
    • This program funded 18 projects in 2021-22 and another 18 in 2022-23.
  • Budget 2023 investments are being implemented:
    • The Ministerial Special Representative who was appointed in early 2023 is currently engaging with key Indigenous women's organizations, provincial/territorial ombudspersons' offices, legal experts, and others in developing this advice. The final report is expected at the end of 2023.
    • On January 10, 2023, a virtual roundtable was held with Indigenous leaders and partners and federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This was a precursor to the Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous roundtable that was announced in Budget 2023. A second meeting will be held in early 2024 and will prioritize discussions on a Red Dress Alert. Subsequently, CIRNAC will plan annual roundtables to discuss cross-jurisdictional issues related to addressing MMIWG and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • Budget 2024 (Red Dress Alert):
    • Discussions continue with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to advance a Red Dress Alert. Engagement with Manitoba will continue as they are establishing an agreement with an Indigenous partner to lead development efforts for the pilot with Indigenous partners.

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