&1TM

WE ARE WE ARE THE WE ARE THE WE ARE YOUR economies support experts advocate OF SCALE YOU NEED IN MUNICIPALITIES

February 29, 2016

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Room 173, East Block House of Commons Ottawa, ON K].A 0N5

Dear Minister Bennett:

Thank you for the commitment to conduct a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women. On behalf of the over 260 cities, towns, villages and summer villages in , we are pleased to submit our enclosed input into your consultation on the inquiry process.

We look forward to hearing more about the scope, methodology and timelines and the role of provincial and municipal governments.

Sincerely,

Lisa Holmes AUMA President

Enclosure cc: Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Canada Honourable Patty A. Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women Canada Honourable , Minister of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Honourable Richard Feehan, Minister of Alberta Indigenous Relations Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of Status of Women Alberta

300-861651 Avenue, , AB T6E 6E6 Toll Free: 31 0-AUMA (2862) Phone: 780-433-4431 Fax: 780-433-4454 auma.ca

Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Alberta Municipal Services corporation AUMA response to the federal questionnaire on the pre-inquiry design process

Who should lead/undertake the Inquiry? • The federal government should lead the inquiry through a coordinating committee comprised of Aboriginal Affairs, Justice, Public Safety Canada, Status of Women and the RCMP.

Who do you think should have an opportunity to participate in the Inquiry? • The provincial ministries who are responsible for public safety, justice, social services, etc. • Municipalities should be engaged since we are responsible for ensuring safe and healthy communities and provide funding for RCMP, law enforcement and other first responders. • First responder representative, including fire and rescue services, law enforcement services (provincial, municipal and First Nations) and emergency medical services who provide public safety or security. • Band councils. • School boards. • Social support organizations. • Native Friendship Centres. • Indigenous communities. • Indigenous women. • Victims and their families. • Members of the public.

What are the key issues that need to be addressed by the Inquiry? • What were the root causes that contributed to these women disappearing and/or dying (i.e. abuse, trauma, child welfare, addictions, poverty, educational attainment, other inequities)? • What was similar about the victims’ circumstances and why were they at such high risk? • Was appropriate attention/action given to reporting their disappearance/murder? • Was appropriate attention/action given to the subsequent investigation? • Was appropriate attention/action given to communication with their families? • What preventative measures could be taken to reduce risks for Indigenous women? • What changes should be made to the investigative process? • How can the municipal, provincial and federal governments work with Indigenous people moving forward?

How can the process be set up to focus on providing concrete and practical recommendations for specific actions? • Need objective evidence, statistics and trending information (e.g., to understand why these victims were at high risk, nature of their disappearance/murder) • Need to engage representatives from all affected groups in the coordinating committee (e.g., family reps, law enforcement, justice, social agencies, etc.)

How can cultural practices and ceremonies be incorporated into the design of the Inquiry? • No comment.

How is it best to involve the families, loved ones and survivors in the Inquiry? • Represented on coordinating committee. • Customized consultations. • There should be an acknowledgement of cultural practices and these groups should be easily able to access supports before and after.

How should Indigenous groups (National Aboriginal Organizations, front-line workers, Band Councils, etc.) be included in the Inquiry? • No comment.

What supports (health supports, counselling, translation, etc.) may be needed during the inquiry for individuals who are participating? • Many groups and people from smaller communities in Alberta may not be able to easily attend sessions because of transportation concerns (costs, distance etc.). There should be an opportunity for people to participate virtually through their local libraries or community centres or public spaces i.e., municipal buildings. • Many of the participants may need help with their mental health after the Inquiry so the federal government should have professionals readily available and they should also provide an overview of resources available for participants to access after they participate in a session.

Is there anything else you would like to add to help design the Inquiry? • Need to clearly define the purpose of the Inquiry (i.e. is it to better understand why these women were at high risk and how to address this, versus ensuring there is a system in place to investigate and take action, or is it a combination of both?).