(Ottawa, Ontario) March 7, 2014 - International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to celebrate the rights of women, build towards greater equality and honour the contributions of women to international peace and security. Sadly, celebrations in Canada continue to be overshadowed by the refusal of the Government of Canada to support a national inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women.
“A national public inquiry is essential to openly address the root causes of structural violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada” states CASW President, Morel Caissie. “Acknowledgement without action is an affront to their lives and an acceptance of differing standards for differing people in Canada.”
Despite recent overwhelming and mounting evidence of widespread violence against Indigenous women and girls, the Government of Canada continues to refuse to acknowledge and completely commit to addressing this national tragedy.
“Individuals, organizations, and the Premiers of Canada have all called for a national inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women” states Caissie. “Please, let this be the last IWD that passes without nationally addressing and honouring the hundreds of murdered and missing Aboriginal women waiting to be heard.”
CASW continues to encourage social workers and all Canadians to express your support for a national inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women by signing the NWAC Petition and directly contacting your Member of Parliament.
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Fred Phelps
CASW, Executive Director
613-729-6668
