Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB – Today the Manitoba NDP announced their commitment to prioritize the safety and security of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirited individuals in Manitoba through the implementation of 24/7 drop-in centres and the reinstatement of the Special Advisor on MMIWG2S+ position to provide guidance to an NDP Cabinet. Additionally, the Manitoba NDP has pledged to work with the Manitoba Police Commission, law enforcement, and community, to enact regulations under The Police Services Act to strengthen how MMWIG2S+ investigations are conducted.

“We must focus on the safety and welfare of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirited Peoples in Manitoba," said Nahanni Fontaine, NDP Spokesperson for MMWIG2S+. "The province bears a responsibility in eradicating violence and offering assistance to families. Heather Stefanson's administration has fallen short in this regard. A Manitoba NDP administration will take swift measures to enhance safety, pursue justice, and provide assistance to families."

A Manitoba NDP administration is committed to taking immediate actions to address the safety of Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples by:
• Enhancing the mandate of the Gender Based Violence Committee of Cabinet and renaming
it as the “MMIWG2S+ and Gender Based Violence Committee of Cabinet” to prioritize
MMIWG2S+ and the implementation of the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls to Justice.
• Establishing 24/7 Drop-In Centres for Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirited Peoples in
Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson.
• Assisting families navigating the justice system through the creation of a specific Indigenous
Victim Services Unit within the Department of Justice.
• Undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the Compensation for Victims of Crime
program to modernize it and align it with the needs of MMIWG2S+ families.
• Swiftly initiating a provincial database of MMIWG2S+.

Furthermore, a Manitoba NDP administration will aim to empower law enforcement agencies in capturing violent perpetrators by ensuring police standards are in place when MMIWG2S+ cases are investigated such as: confirming that nation-wide police data systems are consistently utilized and standardizing how sexual assault cases are investigated. Additionally, the Manitoba NDP will reinstate the role of the Special Advisor on Indigenous Women’s Issues, who will work directly with MMIWG2S+ families and report directly to the responsible Minister.

“Under Heather Stefanson's leadership, MMIWG2S+ families have been disrespected and neglected," remarked Fontaine. "We require a fresh approach to deliver justice for Indigenous women and individuals within this province, and the NDP has developed a comprehensive strategy to help transform this vision into reality."

-30-