On behalf of the almost 2,000 members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), I welcome today's significant announcement on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This is an important step toward addressing a painful and difficult challenge facing our country. FCM and our member municipalities remain committed to supporting the inquiry and working actively towards ensuring safer and better lives for Indigenous women and girls across this nation.
We are particularly encouraged that the Commission will look into addressing the root causes and systemic violence and discrimination that has led to the tragic disappearance and violent deaths of hundreds of Indigenous women and girls.
I commend the women and families who have fought tirelessly over the years for this inquiry. Today's announcement is a direct result of their dedication and resolve to shine a spotlight on this injustice, and to address the difficult, unanswered questions that have impacted so many mothers, daughters and sisters in indigenous communities across the country.
I also want to thank our federal partners for their leadership. The decision to give the inquiry a broad scope and a mandate to recommend concrete actions to eliminate the systemic causes of violence and discrimination are crucial to tackling these challenges.
I would also like to commend the Commissioners, including British Columbia's first female First Nations judge, the Honourable Marion Buller, for accepting this immense and vital task. FCM will formally reach out to the Commissioners to reiterate our support and offer our assistance where possible in the months to come.
FCM is the national voice of municipal government. In leading the municipal movement, FCM works to align federal and local priorities, recognizing that strong hometowns make for a strong Canada.