TORONTO, November 29, 2012 – Amidst growing calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School will be hosting a discussion on what form such an inquiry should take with David Eby and Robyn Gervais on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. Eby and Gervais will offer insight based on their experiences with the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI).
The Province of British Columbia convened the MWCI in 2010 to investigate police conduct in response to the disappearance of women from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The majority of these women were Aboriginal and later found to be the victims of serial killer Robert Pickton. The inquiry’s final report is due to be released on Nov. 30, 2012.
Eby is the executive director of the BC Civil Liberties Association, an organization that was initially granted standing to participate in the inquiry but withdrew after the state failed to provide legal funding for Aboriginal, women’s and other community groups to participate.
Gervais was the Independent Counsel for Aboriginal Interests during the inquiry, before resigning due to the indifference and bias she perceived from the Commission.
Eby and Gervais will offer critical insight into the controversy surrounding the MWCI and comment on lessons that may be used to craft a meaningful process to address the systemic discrimination and violence that Aboriginal women continue to face.
All members of the community and media are invited to attend the talk, which is being presented as part of the student-run Osgoode Hall Distinguished Speakers’ Series.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: “Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women in Canada: Learning from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry”
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Room 1003
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, M3J 1P3
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Virginia Corner
Communications Manager
Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
416-736-5820
vcorner@osgoode.yorku.ca
