Missing, murdered indigenous women announcement expected Wednesday

OTTAWA – Indigenous leaders say the federal government is expected to announce the terms of an inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women on Wednesday.

The event will mark the end of the government’s role in crafting the design of the study and the beginning of the work of commissioners.

The Liberal government has earmarked $40 million over two years for the study, though Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett has called this a “placeholder budget.”

Bennett says issues including policing and child welfare will require close examination during the inquiry.

Concerns about officer behaviour and investigations were raised by families of murdered and missing indigenous women during the government’s consultation phase.

Ottawa has been working with the provinces and territories on the terms of reference for the inquiry because some issues, such as policing, cross jurisdictional boundaries.