RCMP pitched parallel process for national inquiry into missing, murdered women

The document suggests the idea of a parallel review process developed out of a meeting RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson held with Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett and Status of Women Minister Patricia Hajdu — the three members of the Liberal cabinet tasked with setting up the promised national inquiry.

It also addresses the fragility of the relationship between police and many of the families of the victims, who have complained their cases were not taken seriously, tainted by prejudice towards indigenous women or otherwise mishandled.

“No specific communications can be given until further details are decided. However, it is clear from the pre-inquiry engagement gatherings that concerns over policing will be raised and there is a significant need to address the restoration of trust,” said the memo.

The national inquiry, which does not have the power to find criminal wrongdoing, will not reinvestigate individual cases, although the commissioners do have the power to refer information they receive regarding criminal investigations or allegations of misconduct to the appropriate authorities.

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Harold Pfleiderer had no comment on the proposal referred to in the briefing note.

“The processes and terms of reference for the inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls were developed for the government of Canada under the department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and not the RCMP,” Pfleiderer wrote in an emailed statement.

Wilson-Raybould’s office would not comment either.

Some advocates had called for a parallel process to review individual cases where families believed there was something wrong with the initial investigation, but stressed that the RCMP should not lead it.

“That level of distrust is just so high,” said Kim Stanton, legal director of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund, who had proposed a civilian-led independent review mechanism.

The Liberal government faced criticism from advocates and families this summer when a draft version of the terms of reference for the national inquiry, which was leaked to several media outlets, did not explicitly state the need to examine the role of police or their conduct.

The terms of reference unveiled Aug. 3 refer more broadly to underlying causes of violence against indigenous women and girls, including institutional ones, which Bennett has said would include policing.

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Joanna Smith, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

RCMP pitched parallel process for national inquiry into missing, murdered women

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