Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Concerned About MMIW Turnover

Friday, 12 January 2018 08:28

Minister Carolyn Bennett speaks as MMIW Executive Director quits

Federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett says she is worried how ongoing turnover will affect the inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women.

Bennett says she's worried the turnover -- including the departure of another director yesterday -- will distract from the work at hand, but adds its independence is crucial and the government won't be intervening.

The federally funded commission -- plagued by many staffing changes throughout its tenure -- says Debbie Reid left the commission because of a personal matter.

The inquiry says its work will not be disrupted during a transition that will see director of operations Calvin Wong act as interim executive director effective immediately.

The commission says it has a “sacred responsibility” to the 597 families and survivors who have already entrusted their stories to the inquiry and the 600 others registered to do so.

Reid, a former special adviser to the Assembly of First Nations, took the role of executive director in October, replacing Michele Moreau.

(CP)

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