Bennett to meet families of MMIW ahead of inquiry announcement

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett will meet families of missing and murdered indigenous women tonight on the eve of the government’s formal announcement of an inquiry into the deaths and disappearances.

That Wednesday announcement will mark the end of the government’s role in shaping the design of the inquiry and the beginning of work for the commissioners.

It is expected that five commissioners will be appointed to the body.

They will have the power to summon witnesses and to compel them to give evidence.

The federal government has earmarked $40 million over two years for the inquiry but Bennett has said this is a placeholder budget.

Key themes raised in pre−inquiry consultations included policing practices and the justice system, the role of colonialism and residential schools and poverty.