The inquiry into B.C.'s missing women might have a focus on the downtown east side of Vancouver, but the commission is still coming to Prince George for a public hearing.
On Tuesday it was announced that the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry would be in the northern capital at a place and date to be announced soon.
Commissioner Wally Oppal said the community engagement forums - one in Vancouver and another in Prince George - will give people the opportunity to come forward and speak about the effect these events have had on their lives.
"It seems to me that understanding the full impact of these events on communities will help the Commission focus its inquiry more clearly on the most important issues once the public hearings begin," said Oppal.
He added that while a disproportionate number of the missing and murdered women were from the Aboriginal community, representatives of all communities should feel welcome to come forward to participate in the community engagement forums.
"In seeking input from the community, I not only hope to encourage feedback that can be realistically covered within the commission's mandate, but also find ways to deal with issues that are raised and that are plainly outside of the scope of the Commission's work," said Oppal.
Applications for standing to participate in the commission's evidentiary hearings are now being accepted until Nov. 30. Details are available in the "Practices and Procedures" section of the Commission's newly launched website: www.missingwomeninquiry.ca.
