As MMIWG testimony wraps in St. John’s, commission to ‘make do’ with short extension for work

The chief commissioner of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls says she hasn’t seen much progress from the federal government since the inquiry’s critical interim report was published last year.

The inquiry is hearing its final testimony on Thursday in St. John’s, N.L., with witnesses calling for authorities to include sexual exploitation survivors in policing and protection of victims of human trafficking.

READ MORE: Police tell MMIWG inquiry that human trafficking is an under-reported source of violence

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The inquiry had requested a two-year extension earlier this year, but the federal government allotted six months.

Chief commissioner Marion Buller praised the strength and honesty of families and survivors who testified during the lengthy hearing process, and said the inquiry will have to make do with the short extension that she says is not enough time to satisfactorily complete the job.

Parties with standing will give their final submissions at public events in Calgary and Ottawa later this year, before the commissioners write their final report.

2:06 Red Shawl Campaign to raise awareness of MMIWG and help in reconciliation process

• Red Shawl Campaign to raise awareness of MMIWG and help in reconciliation process
• MMIWG inquiry hears from family members and survivors in Moncton for second day
• MMIWG inquiry begins two-day community hearing in Moncton
• Men walk from Saskatoon to Prince Albert for northern Sask. MMIWG
• MMIWG national inquiry Saskatoon hearing phase concludes

Previous Video

Next Video

Testifying Thursday are Rachel Willan, a violence and trafficking survivor, Diane Redsky, a Manitoba community outreach leader, and Chief Danny Smyth and Staff-Sgt. Darryl Ramkissoon of Winnipeg police.