News Releases

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Service New Brunswick Minister Sherry Wilson, who is also minister responsible for women’s equality, and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jake Stewart:

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge that today marks the first anniversary of the release of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report Reclaiming Power and Place. The report lists 231 Calls for Justice that highlight the important work needed to address the violence against Indigenous women and girls across Canada, so that Indigenous women and girls can be safe and live free of violence.

Today, we honour the many family members who have lost their loved ones and we thank all those who were able to participate in the inquiry process. Your loved ones have not been forgotten and we continue to work diligently to address the issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The work of the national inquiry will help inform how the province moves ahead with all governments, communities and residents to eliminate violence against Aboriginal women and girls. The voice of the families and of Indigenous people and communities will also continue to guide the collective work on this shared goal.

We would like to acknowledge the work of the New Brunswick Advisory Committee on Violence against Aboriginal Women that has worked with the government for the past 10 years. As we continue to work together on the national inquiry’s Calls for Justice, the committee will provide advice and guidance on how to move forward on recommendations.

Engagement meetings that were put on hold as result of COVID-19 will be held with Indigenous community leaders and organizations and other community partners once new engagement safety plans are developed.