Commissioner resigns
OTTAWA (CP) — The heavily scrutinized inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was on the defensive again Tuesday, forced assure the public it is moving ahead with its work despite the resignation of one of its commissioners.
Marilyn Poitras, one of five commissioners named by the Liberal government last summer to examine the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, explained her decision in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Status of Women Minister Maryam Monsef were also copied on the note in addition to the chief commissioner Marion Buller.
“It is clear to me that I am unable to perform my duties as a commissioner with the process designed in its current structure,” Poitras’ letter said, noting she will step aside as of July 15.
Poitras’ resignation comes shortly after the exit of the commission’s executive director, Michele Moreau, and is further evidence “the whole inquiry is in jeopardy,” said Sheila North Wilson, a grand chief of an organization representing First Nations in northern Manitoba.
“I maintain that the chief commissioner needs to resign to restore any kind of faith among the families and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women,” she said.
“We shouldn’t be worried about delays. We should be worried about getting the process right.”
In an interview, Buller thanked Poitras for her contributions, adding the inquiry is still prepared to move ahead with its work as planned, including nine hearings this fall beginning in September in Thunder Bay, Ont.
“I want to reassure families and survivors that we will continue to work towards hearings — hearing from them, hearing about their stories, at the same time respecting Indigenous laws and traditional knowledge,” she said.
“This resignation is not going to change the work that we are doing in terms of preparing the right path, the good path to hear from families and survivors.”
It will be up to the Liberal government to decide if a new commissioner will be named to replace Poitras, she added. In addition to the two high profile departures, four staff members have also resigned in recent months.
Bennett wouldn’t say Tuesday whether a new commissioner will be chosen, noting she met with the group on Monday and remains confident in their ability to do the work required.
Better communication will be essential, Bennett said while she acknowledged the commission has faced critiques from frustrated families and survivors.
“They really do have the vision, the values, the tools and the plan to get this work done,” she said.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association, however, will no longer support the inquiry in its current form.
“We no longer have faith that this inquiry will meet its mandate and work responsibly with families and communities,” said president Dawn Harvard in an open letter Tuesday.