Added: Feb 6, 2012
From: assemblyofmbchiefs
Duration: 14:38
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Winnipeg, Manitoba February 6, 2012 JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED: THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYEES UNION UNNECESSARILY STALLING HUGHES INQUIRY On February 3, 2012 the Manitoba Government and Employees' Union (MGEU) signified their intent to challenge the validity and jurisdiction of the Commission appointed to conduct an inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair. The filing of a court motion will have the effect of immediately suspending the work of the inquiry which was scheduled to begin public hearings on May 23, 2012. "The AMC has questioned the priorities of the child apprehension industry for some time. We have watched as our children have become commodities of exchange in an industry that is more focused on funding arrangements and protecting jobs rather than the rights of and protection of our children", said AMC Grand Chief Derek Nepinak. He continued, "The MGEU's latest manoeuvre makes it clear that the MGEU is putting its own interests before those of the children of Manitoba. This tactic should concern all parents. With particular respect to baby Phoenix, justice delayed is justice denied." SCO Grand Chief Morris Swan-Shannacappo echoed the concerns of the AMC Grand Chief, "As Southern First Nations people, we feel that this simply a stall tactic by the MGEU to get to the truth. The family of Phoenix Sinclair, the First Nations of Manitoba and the citizens of this province have been patiently waiting for answers as to why this little girl's disappearance went unnoticed for nine months in a system that was supposed to provide care for her. It is clear that the child welfare system in Manitoba is in dire need of review as it has repeatedly failed our children and families. As leaders we are greatly concerned about the system -- who is in charge of it, how it is funded and why we have record numbers of children in care" said AMC Grand Chief Shannacappo. The Chiefs hope to establish a dialogue with the new Minister and to collaborate on a systemic review of the child welfare system. On Friday, February 3rd, 2012 the Grand Chiefs wrote to the Minister of Child and Family Services, Jennifer Howard and requested an immediate meeting to discuss the inquiry and other detrimental issues flowing from the provincially-controlled child welfare system.
Channel: News
Tags: manitoba government and employees union mgeu phoenix sinclair sco grand chief morris swan-shannacappo derek nepinak amc assembly of chiefs press conference part Social Networking
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