Missing women commission coming this month

The Missing Women Commission of Inquiry is expected to hold forums in northern B.C. later this month.

In May commissioner Wally Oppal announced his intention to hold forums in the North in mid-June. However, commission spokesman Chris Friedmond said, the inquiry is running behind schedule.

"There were delays for a number of reasons, including the issue of participant funding which is still ongoing," Friedmond said. "The commissioner was hoping to get up there in July. As soon as we do have a schedule, we will announce it."

Several groups with standing in the inquiry applied to the provincial government for financial support to present their case to the commission. However, in late May Attorney General Barry Penner declined those requests.

In a written statement, Oppal said the commission's lawyer is currently meeting with groups which were denied funding for legal representation to determine their needs.

"My intention is still to ensure that any group that feels it needs to be represented by legal counsel at the evidentiary hearings in order to participate fully in the inquiry has that representation," Oppal said. "At this stage, I don't know if and how that can be achieved."

The hearings scheduled to take place in the North are part of the less-formal study commission, which is mandated to gather information and allow a forum for policy discussion.

The formal hearing commission will focus on the disappearances and murders of women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside between Jan. 23, 1997 and Feb. 5, 2002 - with a focus on the case of convicted serial killer Robert William Pickton.

However, Oppal said it's important to include those women murdered or missing in the North.

"In particular, I would like to hear from residents about the impact of the women who have gone missing along the Highway of Tears," Oppal said.

Oppal held a pre-hearing conference in Prince George in January.

"I was deeply moved by what I heard and it served once again to underscore the true magnitude of the tragedy," he said. "I also took note of repeated requests for me to visit other northern communities to hear from people who want to contribute to the commission's work."

To register to make a presentation to the inquiry, contact Robyn Kendall at 1-877-681-4470, e-mail [email protected] or mail Robyn Kendall, Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, 1402-808 Nelson St., Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 2H2.

For more information, go online to www.missingwomeninquiry.ca.