SoVote

Dec/7/22 6:48:24 p.m.
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Madam Chair, I think that, in this case, it is very clear. There has been, as a result, and for very good reason, a relationship of distrust that has developed over time. In this particular case, out of respect for the families, I believe it is in the best interest of the Winnipeg city police to call for an independent investigation with support and access to the information required to assess whether it is feasible to complete a search successfully. If not, there is nothing that screams systemic racism more than to have an active crime scene and to continue to throw garbage on our loved ones. There needs to be an immediate moratorium so loved ones can rest in peace. Kera Harris, Morgan Harris's other daughter, said something to me the other day that was really telling. She said, “I need a place to give an offering for my mother, and I can't do that at a garbage dump.” I want her to have that closure. They have a right to have closure. Our families have a right to have closure. We deserve that respect, and I am asking for everybody in the House today to give us that closure. We need that closure, and we need help and support now.

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Context: House Hansard - 143 - Dec/7/22

Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Dec/7/22 8:40:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have been working with my colleague across the way to respond to the crisis occurring in our communities, but he just said something of concern to me, which is that he is open to establishing an ombudsperson. Call for justice 1.7 specifically calls for that. This is something indigenous women, girls and families are calling for. It is needed. Will the minister commit today to putting that in place immediately, especially in light of the level of emergency we are in? Also, will he support the calls of the families to immediately put a moratorium on Prairie Green Landfill so the remains of their mothers can rest in peace and an independent investigation can occur regarding the feasibility of a search in the area?

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Context: House Hansard - 143 - Dec/7/22

Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Dec/7/22 9:02:04 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of working with my hon. colleague on the status of women committee. We are just finishing a study on the connection between resource extraction and increased violence against indigenous women and girls. I am very proud that everybody on that committee committed to that study in response to addressing violence against indigenous women. One thing we have learned about on the committee is the importance of listening. Families are very clear. In this instance, a family came today to listen to what we had to say. One of the things families are calling for is a moratorium on continuing the use of the Prairie Green Landfill site, where the remains of their mother are currently suspected to be located. This was acknowledged by the police. It is a site that continues to be used for refuse. Does my colleague support the family's call in asking for an immediate moratorium so the remains of their loved ones can be left undisturbed and respected?

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Context: House Hansard - 143 - Dec/7/22

Ms. Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP)

Dec/7/22 9:36:59 p.m.
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Madam Chair, I want to thank my hon. colleague, not only for her intervention but for sharing her thoughts as somebody who lived in Winnipeg for a long time and knows the history of racism we deal with as indigenous people and certainly indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people in the city of Winnipeg. I have been asking across party lines whether members of Parliament will stand behind these families and support the call for a moratorium on any sort of usage of the Prairie Green Landfill until further investigation can occur. I think it is a simple answer. Of course. Of course they support that, because to treat loved ones that way, as the member explained, is unacceptable. The answer should always be yes. I wonder if my colleague supports the family's call for an immediate moratorium on the use of the Prairie Green Landfill site.

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