The provincial government recently released its final update report stating it has progressed through 75 per cent of the 56 recommendations directed by the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
In September 2010, a legislative Order in Council established the inquiry under commissioner Wally Oppal, and the report and recommendations were released in November 2012.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says the resulting new legislation is helpful, but just one piece of what will end the pattern of violence.
Individuals and communities need to become more involved in finding solutions, she explains.
“Strategies are great, but the only way we are going to stop violence is by each one of us taking a look at our own selves … and by working together.
“Violence will only stop when we, as the public, want it to stop. Picketing and protesting won’t help; we have to do our part.”
There are a lot of issues that set up situations where violence can occur, so recognizing and dealing with the root causes, indicators and triggers of violence is paramount, she notes.
“A lot of this deals with drugs and alcohol and mental health issues, so it’s a very complex issue. “Legislation helps, as does working with social agencies in government, and RCMP and health-care workers.”
The final update prioritizes some recommendations, such as police resources for finding missing women more quickly, and better supporting their families through the police and court systems.
“As mothers and grandmothers and neighbours and friends, it’s our job to communicate with each other to make sure that we know where we are,” says Barnett.
“If you don’t hear from your friends or your family for a couple days … you must deal with it very quickly.”
The province has also set aside $3.4 million in grants to support vulnerable women through drop-in and outreach social services, and workshops for sex trade workers.
Barnett says she sees a remaining dilemma around how to get women living on the fringe of society to participate.
“Every piece of legislation is important, and we have to make sure that people will participate.”
Government has also committed to consulting with community stakeholders.
Local agencies working on these issues of violence need to step up and take part in these discussions, she adds.
One-time funding of $75,000 is to be provided for more First Nations access to transportation education, such as safe driver and driver licensing programs.
However, Barnett explains transportation “will alway be a huge issue” for rural British Columbians, so collaborating with friends, neighbours and communities is essential.
“I always say we run the country with balance, not bullets. You can legislate everything, but if we don’t act as citizens, nothing will change.”
The report and the province’s final update are at www.ag.gov.bc.ca/public_inquiries.
