Standing Committee on the Status of Women

Comité permanent de la condition féminine

For immediate release

Ottawa, May 3, 2024 -

Warning: The following message contains reference to experiences of violence against Indigenous peoples, in particular, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people in Canada. If you are feeling distressed and in need of support, a list of resources is included at the end of this message.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (the Committee) honours May 5th as Red Dress Day in Canada. This day commemorates missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and people who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and other gender diverse identities. The day brings awareness to this ongoing crisis in Canada.

Red Dress Day is also an opportunity for action. The Committee’s study on Implementing a Red Dress Alert in Canada is progressing and a report is forthcoming. The Committee has heard testimony and received written submissions from families, survivors and frontline organizations. The evidence gathered will inform the Committee’s recommendations to the Government of Canada on the most effective and efficient manner to operate and administer such an alert system. The Committee extends its gratitude to all those who participated and shared their stories for the Red Dress Alert study.

The Committee wishes to offer its deepest condolences to all individuals, families and communities that have lost loved ones to the crisis of MMIWG in Canada.

Resources:

• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families, at the toll-free number: 1-866-925-4419.

• Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line at the toll-free number: 1-844-413-6649.

• First Nations, Inuit and Métis people seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line at the toll-free number: 1-855-242-3310, or through the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.