Summary
Today, Minister Jill Dunlop released Ontario’s Response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, developed in collaboration with Minister Rickford and led by the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council.
The report, entitled Pathways to Safety, builds on the proactive actions we’ve taken protect to protect Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people from violence and addresses critical gaps in supports such as the need for better access to stable housing, health care, education and employment.
We knew any efforts to address the root causes of violence cannot succeed unless they are led by Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women. That’s why we are also extending the mandate of the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council beyond its March 2022 mandate to help guide the implementation of Ontario’s response to the National Inquiry.
Key Messages
- All Ontarians deserve to live free from violence and abuse of all kinds. The prevalence of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada is unacceptable.
- Our government is proud to release Ontario’s comprehensive response and strategy to address the calls for justice in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, that builds on the proactive actions we’ve taken protect to protect Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people from violence.
- We have listened carefully to survivors, families and loved ones who bravely shared their experiences of overwhelming loss and personal pursuits for justice.
- Our response sets a path forward to confront and address the root causes of violence and abuse and provide real solutions so future generations of Indigenous women and their families are safe to live their lives free of violence.
- Our plan addresses critical gaps in supports for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQ+ people, including the need for better access to stable housing, health care, education and employment.
- We know that we can’t address the root causes of violence unless they are led by Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous women. We will continue to work closely with our partners and Indigenous leaders to address critical gaps in Ontario’s current system of supports and build a better and safer province for all Ontarians