Prince George, B.C.- While the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry has been pressed to expand its mandate to do more on the missing and murdered women along the Highway 16 corridor, the Commission has called upon the province to expand its mandate to at least partially address that concern.

 

Specifically, the Commission would like to see its mandate broadened to allow for a special study commission which is a less formal process.

 

It is not adversarial, questions are posed to participants by commission counsel and the commissioner, and there is no cross examination. A study commission formed part of the Braidwood inquiry into the death of Robert Dziekanski. In that case, the “study commission” examined the use of tazers.

 

Commissioner Wally Oppal, Q.C., says community feedback over the past few months has made it clear that:

·        The Commission’s process should be accessible and community-driven rather than adversarial;

·        Vulnerable and marginalized individuals should not be discouraged or made to feel excluded by an overly formalized process;

·        The emotional needs of the victims’ families should be respected and supported;

·        Aboriginal groups should be consulted in a manner that is culturally sensitive; and

·        The northern communities affected by the ongoing Highway of Tears investigation should be given an opportunity to participate in the Commission’s activities.

 

“The additional powers of a study commission would allow us to address the concerns of the community by giving the Commission increased flexibility over its process, including the ability to engage directly with the public outside of the formal hearing process,” says  Oppal.

 

He adds that a study commission could also provide an opportunity for participation by groups and individuals who may not strictly meet the test for standing in the hearing commission.

 

Until he has a response from Government on his request, Oppal has decided to defer his decision on applications for standing from groups and individuals who want to participate in the Commission’s hearings.