Related to BC missing and murdered women associated with the criminal actions of Robert Pickton
March 18, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Public Safety Canada
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; the Honourable Suzanne Anton, BC Attorney General and Minister of Justice; and Mr. Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a joint compensation framework for the 98 living children of the BC missing and murdered women associated with the criminal actions of Robert Pickton and identified in the final report of the BC Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
The $50,000 payments are being offered in response to the final report of the BC Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the deep suffering and turmoil the horrific criminal actions of Robert Pickton have caused. Each of the 98 living children of the BC missing and murdered women associated with the criminal actions of Robert Pickton, and identified in the final report of the BC Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, will be entitled to a $50,000 payment.”
– The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Canada
“Commissioner Oppal detailed our shared responsibility for the exceptional and troubling circumstances that contributed to the disappearance and death of dozens of B.C. women. In turn, he called on us to compensate their children – and we are doing so because it’s the right thing to do.
“I also hope their families will find some solace in our broader, ongoing response to the MWCI recommendations, which is advancing the safety of vulnerable women and will ensure that ‘missing’ never again means ‘forsaken’ in British Columbia.”
– The Honourable Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, British Columbia
“We recognize the long and difficult road for the children of BC’s missing and murdered women, and the collective failure of all levels of government to prevent these horrific acts. This compensation fund is one small but significant step, and while the Inquiry may be complete, our work at the City is not. Significant work remains to improve safety for vulnerable girls and women, and to ensure that tragedies like these can never happen again.”
– Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver
“The RCMP commits to learning from past experiences, making the necessary changes and moving forward. Over the past decade, in keeping with the many recommendations from the inquiry, we have updated our policies, investigative standards and training. We will continue to seek out best practices and implement them where possible to improve upon our service delivery across the country.”
– Bob Paulson, RCMP Commissioner
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
Media Relations
BC Ministry of Justice
250-213-3602
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.
For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
