MP Barron demands justice for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals

OTTAWA — This week, NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron urged the federal government to invest in much-needed, clear timelines and required resources to implement the calls to justice of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

“Indigenous women are at least 4.5 times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous women,” said Barron in Question Period on Thursday. “How many lives need to be lost for the Liberals to set timelines with the necessary resources to address this crisis?”

Barron recognized that this year will mark the 20th anniversary of the disappearance of Lisa Marie Young in Nanaimo. While families have waited for years for a meaningful response to the inquiry into MMIWG, the Liberal government has delayed funding and failed to set clear targets for how they will address the calls to justice.

“Too many Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals like Lisa tragically go missing or are murdered,” said Barron. “It’s been 20 years and still, Lisa’s loved ones have no answers.”

Barron and the NDP are calling on the Liberal government to prioritize the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the upcoming federal budget. Survivors and their families should not wait any longer for justice.

Watch MP Barron's speech HERE.