Prince George, B.C.- The 1448 page final report on Murdered and Missing Women  in B.C, contains some 63 recommendations.

 

Commissioner Wally Oppal says the investigations of the missing women were characterized by “blatant police failures”.   He pointed to the information provided to police by Miss Anderson who had gone to the Pickton farm and noted several things that should have sparked police to make him a prime suspect, but they failed to act on that information. “Some of the things that were not done during the Missing women investigation are simply incomprehensible”.

 

He says he has come to the conclusion that “there was systemic bias by the police in the missing women’s investigation”. It was a note which had those attending the official release, to break out in applause and cheers. “These women were treated as throw- aways” said Oppal.

 

The  63 recommendations include a call for enhanced public transit throughout the north, particularly along Highway 16. The recommendations also call for the establishing of a compensation fund for the children of missing women, and a healing fund for the families of missing women. He also recommends   that there be a regional police force, “Greater Vancouver Police Force” established.

 

He calls for the province to appoint an independent adviser within 3 months to implement the recommendations.

 

He pressed questions about the poverty in which aboriginal peoples in B.C. live. “The point is, all of us have to take responsibility.” He called for everyone to work towards eliminating racism and gender inequality.