THUNDER BAY – The federal government is postponing scheduled regional advisory meetings, including one planned for Thunder Bay, ahead of a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls.
In a release issued late Thursday night, officials with the inquiry said the decision came after issues arose in Whitehorse, where the first advisory meetings were held. Issues were also raised and forwarded to the commission from elsewhere in Canada.
The decision comes a week after families and advocacy groups said the inquiry has failed to reach out to the families of the women. The purpose of the regional meetings was to gather advice on what issues should be covered when the inquiry starts hearings.
According to the release, while in Yukon they were advised to consider making changes moving forward in order to meet the needs of different regions, people and communities.
"The National Inquiry remains committed to listening, hearing and being responsive to what families, survivors and communities are sharing with us," Chief Commissioner Marion Buller said in a statement.
"We understand there needs to be more communication in advance about our process and the options available to those who want to participate. We need to be flexible."
Officials heading up the inquiry have reached out to families, survivors and loved ones, as well as community members, who were scheduled to take part in meetings in Edmonton and Thunder Bay and issued an apology for the timing of the public notice.
They add that out of respect, it is important for families and survivors to be informed directly by inquiry members.
No new dates have been set and inquiry representatives said the details of any rescheduled meetings will be shared with participants already confirmed to attend the original meetings before new details are made public.
The first public hearing is set for the end of May in Whitehorse.
-- With files from The Canadian Press
