"We are working with organizations across the country to end violence against women and girls and to offset its destructive impact on our communities,"said MacKay. "This project will engage local men and boys to play an important leadership role in ending the violence."
MacKay said that his department hopes to introduce a Victims Bill of Rights this fall so that the innocent are not re-victimized by the system.
He thanked "Chrysalis House staff and all transition houses across the province for a true labour of love. It makes a difference."
Rhonda Fraser, executive director of Chrysalis House Association, said she’s excited about the project.
"It is important to do all we can to prevent violence against women and girls," said Fraser. "We are pleased to partner with the government of Canada on this project to engage local men and boys in understanding the roots of gender-based violence and leading the way to safer communities for everyone."
Sociologist Bruce Dienes, who will co-ordinate the project, said he was very excited to be involved in this worldwide movement.
He indicated the aim is to educate males at a young age through to adults about how to intervene to prevent violence.
WEBLINK http://cjproject.engagingmenandboys.ca/
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ONE BILLION RISING-SHANIA TWAIN- breaking the chains of abuse...
IDLE NO MORE CANADA- Shania Twain was adopted by her stepfather Ojibway Jerry Twain and grew up on the reserve as non-status indian.... Shania always said Jerry Twain (and she adored Grandpa Twain) treated respectfully and loved Shania's mother Sharon so much..
..... but Shania said the enormous abuse among the Reservations should shame all of Canada.... and men need counselling and respect as much as women...
Shania Twain - Black Eyes, Blue Tears - Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Fd5Q2-VC0
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MAN UP CANADA- One Billion Rising- men and boys breaking the chains of abuse- no more excuses
CANADA MEN AND BOYS- Man Up- One Billion Rising- helping break the chains of abuse against girls and women www. hiteribbon.ca .-u make us so proud
http://www.whiteribbon.ca/
Who We Are
whoweare_img_01
Who We Are
White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.
Starting in 1991, we asked men to wear white ribbons as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Since then the White Ribbon has spread to over 60 countries around the world.
We work to examine the root causes of gender-based violence and create a cultural shift that helps bring us to a future without violence.
Our vision is for a masculinity that embodies the best qualities of being human. We believe that men are part of the solution and part of a future that is safe and equitable for all people.
Through education, awareness-raising, outreach, technical assistance, capacity building, partnerships and creative campaigns, White Ribbon is helping create tools, strategies and models that challenge negative, outdated concepts of manhood and inspire men to understand and embrace the incredible potential they have to be a part of positive change.
Board of Directors:
Chair: Raymond Ludwin
Treasurer: Craig Walter
Members:
Laurie Freudenberg
Sulemaan Ahmed
Alexis Morgan
Ralph Chattoor
Marlene Hore
Dionne O’Gorman
Please contact info@whiteribbon.ca for more information.
365 Bloor Street East
Suite 203
Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
(t) 416-920-6684 (tf) 1-800-328-2228 (f) 416-920-1678
And..
What We Do
White Ribbon positively engages men, young men and boys through relevant educational programming that challenges language and behaviours, as well as harmful ideas of manhood that lead to violence against women.
White Ribbon Programming includes:
Workshops, Talks and Presentations
?Engaging workshops. presentations and talks for middle, high school and post-secondary students as well as people from all walks of life.
?Trainings and presentations for educators and teacher candidates around promoting gender equality in classrooms and schools.
?Sessions explore realities for women and girls as well as pressures on men and boys and ways they can become allies for change that affects everyone.
?Sessions & topics include "Who’s The Man?’, "Blueprints for Change’, "Behind The Masc" and "How Homophobia Impacts Heterosexual Males"
Please visit our Events page for a calendar of upcoming workshops, seminars, talks and more!
It Starts With You, It Stays With Him
?Encouraging and inspiring fathers, father figures, educators, community leaders, coaches and family members to embrace being positive, strong role models for the young men and boys around them by valuing women as equal and teaching how to have healthy, equal relationships.
?Tips, Tools, e-Modules and Videos to view and share.
Boys Conferences
?Annual Conferences in partnership with Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario bringing boys together to discuss gender equality, respect and healthy relationships and steps they can take to make a difference. Uses interactive workshops, drama, art, video, peer educators and other engaging facilitation styles, guest speakers
‘What Makes A Man’ Conference
?This annual White Ribbon event is a discussion-focused day, where speakers give a short 5-10 minute talks designed to spark dialogue of reflection and reactions with the audience. Everyday examples and stories are shared to help us explore how gender & gender roles affect aspects of all our life and experiences.
The Education and Action Kit
?White Ribbon’s Education and Action Kit is used by hundreds of thousands of teachers and students in 3000 schools across North America. Teachers and students have used the Kit and related White Ribbon resources with enormous success. The Kit combines in-class lessons with school-wide projects to raise awareness about violence against women, and to promote ideals about gender equality and healthy relationships. It is designed as a positive resource for both females and males.
White Ribbon is also:
- Capacity building for educators and community workers to carry out White Ribbon activities.
- Providing technical consultation for NGOs, governments, and United Nations
- A member of the steering committee of MenEngage Global Alliance
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Classified - Inner Ninja ft. David Myles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhyL8zg3_I
Anti-bullying conference slated- NOVA SCOTIA
People who’ve signed up to learn how to reduce bullying, build relationships and learn from the province’s anti-bullying leadership conference can now register for workshops.
A government news release Tuesday said Marilyn More, the minister for the action team on sexual violence and bullying, announced a lineup o f workshops and enter tainment for the Sp eak Up! event.
The symp osium is b eing held Aug. 16-17 in Halifax.
Musician David Myles will headline Friday evening’s entertainment, the release said. He received a Juno award this year for rap recording of the year, and has numerous Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Awards.
Although registration for the conference is closed, people are invited to put their name on a waiting list at bit.ly/11INqmh or by calling 902-422-1886 or phoning toll free at 1-877-731-1333.
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MISPLACED CHARITY -NDP NOVA SCOTIA- just $200,000 for 13 organizations fighting sex assault and bullying???
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
The Nova Scotia government recently announced $200,000 in new funding for 13 organizations, including Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, Pictou Women’s Centre and Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network, to allow them to better work against sexual assault.
This works out to only $15,000 per centre. What a slap to all women and children who seek assistance as they face sexual and other kinds of brutality, primarily from their intimate partners. This paltry sum is all the more astonishing in the wake of the Rehtaeh Parsons case, which demonstrated the huge need to fight sexual assault of girls as young as 15.
Meanwhile, our NDP government has given more than $260 million to the Irvings in anticipation of the federal ships contract. The government has also paid $10 million a year for the next 10 years to IBM to outsource the government payroll.
And the government gave Cooke Aquaculture $25 million to help with their fish-farm business. Irving, IBM, and Cooke are not charities, but the 13 women’s advocacy centres are. Shame on the government. Where are its priorities?
Judy Haiven, Halifax
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CHECK OUT- MEN breaking the chains of abuse- bullying - no more abuses-no more excuses
when there's no one 2 catch ur fall u feel like ur just- 3 foot tall
VIBE Premiere: Classified '3 Foot Tall' Video
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Violence, Bullying and Abuse Prevention
http://www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/violence-bullying-and-abuse-prevention
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Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse - It can be stopped
Download the PDF version
What is intimate partner violence and abuse?
Intimate partner violence and abuse is an abuse of power that includes a wide range of threats and acts:
•Physical violence that may involve a threat with a fist or object; being pushed or shoved in a way that could result in injury; being slapped, hit or beaten; being hit or attacked with an object. There may be no obvious physical injuries, or there may be bruises, cuts, broken bones, internal injuries, disfigurement, disablement and even death.
•Sexual assault may be part of a physical attack. Sexual acts within a relationship must take place with consent. There is no "right" to sexual relations.
•Emotional abuse that can include threats and intimidation, demeaning and degrading verbal and/or body language, control and isolation, subordination and humiliation. Victims may suffer serious loss of self-esteem and experience feelings of shame, anxiety, hopelessness, depression and terror.
Intimate partner violence and abuse
Violence and/or abuse by an intimate partner is not a crime of passion and it is not a private matter.
Intimate partner violence and abuse can be committed by a spouse, ex-spouse, a current or former common-law partner, a current or former girlfriend or boyfriend or a person in a dating relationship. The victim may think that she or he somehow provoked the abuse but the abuser is responsible for his or her own behaviour.
An abusive relationship is often a confusing mix of love, fear, dependency, intimidation, guilt and hope. There is a shared life involving family, finances and a home. Victims of violence and abuse usually return to the relationship many times before leaving it.
To harm, or threaten to harm, another person is against the law under the Criminal Code of Canada regardless of the relationship between the two parties.
An effective legal response to intimate partner violence and abuse requires coordination by all parts of the criminal justice system. The Criminal Code and the Canada Evidence Act provide protection for victims as well as sanctions for offenders. Prosecution policies and guidelines ensure that charges proceed in court, however, the police are usually the first step in the legal process and the major point of contact in intimate partner assault cases.
When called to an incident of intimate partner violence and abuse, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are responsible for restoring order, protecting victims, investigating and gathering evidence. This may involve arresting or taking into custody the perpetrator of the violence or abuse. If the investigation finds reasonable and probable grounds that a crime has been committed, appropriate criminal charges can be laid.
Relationship abuse is tragically common. It is also very complex. How can you bring her flowers one day and hit her the next? Why does she stay? How can she leave? What happens when that safe place called home becomes a prison or war zone? What about the children? How does society step into these private, personal spaces and help make a difference? Let’s find the answers — because spousal and partner abuse can be stopped.
Even if criminal charges are not laid, an individual can apply for a peace bond or restraining order to prohibit their partner from threatening or harassing them further.
The roots of intimate partner violence and abuse
Intimate partner violence and abuse is rooted in a power imbalance between individuals, within families and in society. Basically, when one person is controlled and/or considered less worthy than another one -- because they are a vulnerable person or part of a vulnerable population -- there is the potential for abuse.
What makes intimate partner violence and abuse occur in one relationship and not another? According to the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, we know that partners in violent and abusive relationships have often experienced family violence themselves as children. There are also known factors that increase the risk of partner abuse, especially the risk of serious abuse:
•Men who have witnessed violence by their fathers toward their mothers inflict more severe and repeated violence in their own relationships than men whose fathers were not violent.
•Alcohol is a prominent but not a causal factor in relationship abuse. In just over half of all violent incidents, the violent partner was drinking.
•Women are at greater risk of severe violence
•The risk of being killed by a spouse or partner is eight times higher for women in common-law relationships than in registered marriages.
Top of page
Who experiences relationship abuse?
Intimate partner violence and abuse is pervasive: no one is immune. It affects people of all ages, rich and poor, rural and urban, from every cultural and educational background. The majority of abusers are men and the majority of victims are women. Serious abuse is most often committed by men against women and children.
However, men are also victims of intimate partner violence and abuse. The rate is significantly lower than among women and the severity of abuse, especially homicide, often less. We are just beginning to learn more about the abuse of adult men.
There are other groups, such as same sex intimate partners, for which the violence and abuse needs more recognition and remedies. Since these groups may already be stigmatized in society, it can be difficult for either partner to reach out for appropriate help and support. Disabled and dependent persons are also particularly vulnerable in abusive situations. Aboriginal women and men experience higher rates of spousal violence than the general population.
New Canadians should know that landed immigrants will not be deported if they leave a partner because of abuse, even if that partner is their sponsor. (Immigrants without legal status should get legal advice.)
Children are often victims of intimate partner abuse. Estimates are that in 30 to 40% of reported cases where the partner is abused, so are the children. However, there is a growing understanding that simply witnessing intimate partner violence in their home can affect children the same way as abuse directed at them. (Ask for the RCMP’s booklet Where Does It Hurt? The Effects of Family Violence on Children.) What every person involved in an abusive relationship should know is that the RCMP will investigate all incidents of violence and abuse, regardless of sex, ethnicity, background or lifestyle.
Do you have a safety plan?
Safety plans help you reduce or eliminate the risks that you and your children face by an abuser. Creating a safety plan will help you and your children get away from potential risks safely.
Safety planning should include:
•letting someone you trust know about the abuse even if you do not report it to the police;
•creating a code word with friends or family that lets them know to call for help when leaving is not an option;
•having one safe location to keep your identification, important documents (passport, Social Insurance Number), bank cards, credit cards, keys and cell phone that you can grab quickly in an emergency;
•having a physical plan to get out of your house in an emergency and a place to go, including the nearest shelter if necessary, once you have left the abusive situation; and
•practicing your safety plan with your children to keep them safe as well.
If you have left the abuser and the situation is still volatile, make sure that the school, day care, and police have a copy of all court orders, including restraining orders, custody and access orders, as well as a picture of the abusive partner.
Getting help
The facts show that partner assault has declined in recent years. That is proof that relationship abuse can be stopped; it can be prevented. Changing attitudes, services for victims, treatment programs for violent men, stronger laws and pro-arrest policies are all making a difference. The first step for anyone in, or close to, an abusive relationship is to get help.
Help for the Abused
In an emergency, call the police. Seek medical attention (injuries may be internal as well as external). In a crisis, call a women’s shelter, crisis line, or counseling agency. Talk to your family doctor or community health center. Tell someone you trust, such as a friend or relative. Believe in yourself. You are not to blame.
Help for the Abuser
If you abuse your partner, get help now. In most cases, abusive behaviour is learned as a child. It is also often accompanied by low self-esteem, frustration and guilt. You can change. You can take responsibility for your actions and seek counseling. The best way to start is through a family doctor or social service agency. Abusive behaviour often goes hand in hand with alcohol or drug abuse and you may need to address these problems as well.
Top of Page
Help for the Witness
If you believe someone you know is being abused, do not turn a blind eye. Call the police in an emergency; do not attempt to intervene at risk to yourself. Listen to the affected person, whether abused or abuser. They may be asking for help. Offer support and refrain from judgment. Ask how you can be of help. Do not take over. Help the person explore their options. Tell him/her it is dangerous to do nothing about the abuse.
Community involvement and responsibility
All forms of violence and abuse are serious criminal matters with a huge impact on society. As the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence states, "Health costs for injuries and chronic health problems caused by abuse amount to about a billion dollars every year. We also pay a social cost in the form of children too traumatized to learn or develop normally, adult victims unable to function to their full potential, and diminished quality of family and community life".
Intimate partner violence and abuse flourishes in an environment where the misuse of power against the vulnerable or less powerful is tolerated. That environment may be behind closed doors or in the larger community. That is why we all need to work to prevent violence and to build a society where abuse of power is not tolerated. By seeing intimate partner violence and abuse for what it is -- a crime -- we can all take responsibility and work together as a community to stop the violence.
Help is available
Contacts and Resources
•crisis line
•abuse counseling
•women’s groups
•immigrant and ethno-cultural groups
•Aboriginal groups
•women’s shelters
•women’s resource centres
•community health centres
•family doctor
•police
•RCMP victim services
•legal aid
For more information and resources on family and relationship violence, please view our other brochures:
•Dating Violence - Say NO!
•Effects of Family Violence on Children - Where does it Hurt?
•Criminal Harassment – Stalking: It’s not love
These brochures can also be ordered at a cost from St. Joseph Corporation. For ordering information, contact them at their toll free number: 1-888-562-5561.
© 2012 HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA
as represented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Cat. no.: PS64-20/2012
ISBN: 978-1-100-54297-3
CCAP-SPCCA-014 2012
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cp-pc/spouse-epouse-abu-eng.htm
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MacKay announces funding to end violence
Justice Minister Peter MacKay announced support on July 26 for a new project in western Nova Scotia that will engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Shown listening to him are Shannon Young, who chairs the Chrysalis House board, and project co-ordinator Bruce Dienes. - Wendy Elliott, www.kingscountynews.ca
Published on July 29, 2013
By Wendy Elliott welliott@kingscountynews.ca KingsCountyNews.ca
Peter MacKay, the new Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was in Kentville July 26 to announce support for a new project that will engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls.
Chrysalis House Association is receiving $185,000 in funding for a 24-month project that will engage the population in the rural counties of West Hants, Kings and Annapolis in the western region of Nova Scotia.
"We are working with organizations across the country to end violence against women and girls and to offset its destructive impact on our communities,"said MacKay. "This project will engage local men and boys to play an important leadership role in ending the violence."
MacKay said that his department hopes to introduce a Victims Bill of Rights this fall so that the innocent are not re-victimized by the system.
He thanked "Chrysalis House staff and all transition houses across the province for a true labour of love. It makes a difference."
Rhonda Fraser, executive director of Chrysalis House Association, said she’s excited about the project.
"It is important to do all we can to prevent violence against women and girls," said Fraser. "We are pleased to partner with the government of Canada on this project to engage local men and boys in understanding the roots of gender-based violence and leading the way to safer communities for everyone."
Sociologist Bruce Dienes, who will co-ordinate the project, said he was very excited to be involved in this worldwide movement.
He indicated the aim is to educate males at a young age through to adults about how to intervene to prevent violence.
Dienes spoke about the Steubenville High School rape in Ohio, where two male students were sent to jail, and stated that the perpetrators had the power to do damage while still children.
A needs assessment in each county will be the first priority. The project runs until March 2015.
An advisory committee made up of 20 community partners and stakeholders will help guide the project. They include members from the RCMP, NSCC, First Nations, African Nova Scotians and Acadian communities.
This project to end gender-based violence is being supported under Status of Women Canada’s call for proposals, Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence against Women and Girls.
WEBLINK http://cjproject.engagingmenandboys.ca/
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ONE BILLION RISING- HEALING THE CHAINS- of abuse of young boys and young men- the miracles of training service dogs 4 disabled and homes by young incarcerated youth- 2nd chances- it's time...
ONE BILLION RISING- breaking the chains of abuse...
An inmate rehab project with some (fur r y) legs
IDLE NO MORE CANADA- Shania Twain was adopted by her stepfather Ojibway Jerry Twain and grew up on the reserve as non-status indian.... Shania always said Jerry Twain (and she adored Grandpa Twain) treated respectfully and loved Shania's mother Sharon so much..
..... but Shania said the enormous abuse among the Reservations should shame all of Canada.... and men need counselling and respect as much as women...
Shania Twain - Black Eyes, Blue Tears - Live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Fd5Q2-VC0
CLAIRE McILVEEN
cmcilveen@herald.ca @CH_cmcIlveen
Claire McIlveen is a columnist and editorial writer
An inmate rehab project with some (fur r y) legs
It’s curious that the province’s opposition parties, those serial seekers of the second chance, are poking fun at a program to rehabilitate jail inmates.
The Tories and Liberals have heaped scorn on a project to teach inmates how to train dogs at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.
The program started as a pilot a year ago and the government said last week it will fund it to the tune of $60,000 for the coming year.
"I can’t imagine what they’d be training the dogs to do," said Tory MLA Allan MacMaster when the pilot was first announced. "Are they going to be doing tricks for the prisoners or something?"
Well, no.
Under the program, a professional dog trainer is teaching corrections officers how to work with a dozen inmates to train dogs from the SPCA. The agency gets adoptable dogs, the officers get administrative experience and the inmates learn animal training skills they can use upon release, says the province.
As a former reporter who did a stint covering court, I think it’s money well sp ent .
Reporting on the justice system taught me that some people catch no breaks in life.
The names, faces and crimes o f the guilty are gone from my memory, but I will never forget the histories of parental neglect, abuse, addiction, intellectual disability or severe mental health problems that accompanied almost every kid who appeared before the courts.
Some would argue that plenty of people have unhappy childhoods and turn out fine.
That’s true. Maybe some people are stronger, smarter or more resilient than others.
Or they meet someone who sees the good in them.
One man I know b ecame a ward of the province at age six and had a history o f lighting fires, tor turing small animals and breaking and entering . His life was turned around by a youth worker who became the father figure he never had.
That’s what a program like this can do: foster ties between guards and inmates, teach inmates that practice, patience and respect are keys to discipline, bring some canine love into their lives, inspire hop e.
At least one veteran corrections officer at the jail is on board.
"Initial evaluation of the program has been very positive," said Capt. John Landry, a guard at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility.
"The staff at the facility report improved offender behaviour and reduced tension in the day rooms where the program is held, which is a win-win for the o ffenders, the staff and the puppies."
For staff, it’s about better working conditions.
For a 19-year-old with a history of neglect, it’s the chance for one-on-one attention from a standup adult, a whole lot of puppy love and a new direction for his life.
As a society, we have a responsibility to try to rehabilitate inmates, particularly young ones.
And if the rehabilitation argument isn’t persuasive, perhaps the financial one is.
The costs of incarceration in Canada are staggering. While provincial jails are cheaper, it costs about $114,000 a year to keep someone in federal penitentiary in Canada .
Over 30 years, that adds up to $3.4 million.
If even one kid learns marketable skills and makes connections that put him on a better path when he gets out of jail, that $60,000 a year will turn out to be some bargain.
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ONE BILLION RISING- breaking the chains of abuse
Suits over alleged crimes can proceed in Canada
TORONTO (CP) — Three lawsuits against a Canadian mining company over alleged shootings and gang rapes at a Guatemalan project will be allowed to proceed in Canada following a ruling that makes it possible for firms to face liability at home for incidents that occur overseas.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs, 13 Mayan Guatemalans, said the decision is a "wake-up call" for Canadian firms about responsibilities at foreign mining projects.
"This step in the case uses existing legal rules that have not been applied in this way before," lawyer Murray Klippenstein said Tuesday. "Mining companies, and maybe other companies operating abroad, need to take a very, very, serious look at the possibility or likelihood that shenanigans abroad that they thought would never result in liability may result in accountability in Canadian cour ts."
The suits allege security personnel and members of the police and military, attacked and raped 11 women in 2007 who were forcibly removed from their village in relation to the Fenix project.
Two related suits seek to hold HudBay Minerals Inc. and a subsidiary resp onsible for the later killing of community leader Adolfo Ich over a land dispute and the shooting and paralysis of local resident German Chub.
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ONE BILLION RISING- BREAKING THE CHAINS - of abuse
Premiers: Probe women’s fate
Leaders back inquir y into missing, murdered First Nations people
MARIA BABBAGE THE CANADIAN PRESS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont . — Provincial and territorial leaders threw their support Wednesday behind a national public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, ratcheting up the pressure on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to follow suit .
There was support for an inquiry among the premiers who met with aboriginal leaders Wednesday ahead of the Council of the Federation meeting, said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who will chair the premiers’ summit Thursday.
She said violence against aboriginal women is a very important issue that has touched every Canadian juris diction and is extremely important to all the leaders who attended the meeting.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford and Newfoundland Premier Kathy Dunderdale were absent, but Wynne said that doesn’t mean they don’t support an inquiry.
"There were reasons why they couldn’t be at the table, but certainly I will b e sp eaking to them and asking them if they wou ld b e able to support the NAO’s call for an inquiry."
But Michele Audette, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, said she views their absence as a message.
"It’s probably for me, my perception or interpretation, that they’re sending a message saying they’re not in support for this national public inquiry," she said.
Redford was in Toronto on Wednesday for a meeting with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and various CEOs of insurance companies in Toronto, trying to garner support for the southern Alberta communities devastated by flooding .
First Nations’ calls for a public inquiry on violence against aboriginal women have garnered support across the country in recent years.
Aboriginal leaders praised the attending premiers for supporting the caus e, hailed as a major step in their crusade for an inquiry, which has been endorsed by Amnesty International Canada.
"This is an important expression of support," said Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada has been saying for 13 years that there’s a rise in missing aboriginal women, Audette said. The organization has documented about 582 cases of missing or murdered women and girls.
Audette said she’ll phone the federal government Thursday and push for a letter from the premiers to be sent to Harper and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt. She’ll also be reaching out to the two missing premiers to see if they’ll support an inquiry.
"We did a major, major step today — or a major moccasin step, I always say," she said.
Violence against aboriginal women is a "huge" issue in Manitoba, which has a lot of missing people, said Premier Greg Selinger.
"It speaks to the most vulnerable p eople in our community and when they go missing, we are all worse off," he said.
"And we want to make sure they’re safe and our streets are safe and our neighbourhoods are safe and young women are safe regardless of who they are."
It’s a big problem in the North too, particularly in small, isolated communities where women can’t get help, said Northwest Territories Premier Bob MacLeod.
"I think this gives a statement that this is a serious problem and that all of the premiers want to see something done," he said.
Others issues discussed at the premiers’ meeting with aboriginal groups included improvements in education for aboriginal students on and off reserve.
Funding for students on reserve is up to $3,500 less per pupil than students off reserve, Wynne said.
But Wynne and Atleo say they’re not looking for Ottawa to hand over the responsibility to the provinces. They’d rather see the government work with the provinces and aboriginal communities to help stu dents su cceed, said Wynne.
"The kinds of solutions that are working in P.E.I., that are working in British Columbia, that are going to work in Quebec and Ontario may be slightly different," she said. "But what we need is the federal government at the table as a full partner in terms of funding their resp onsibilities and at the same time, recognizing that provincial governments bring huge expertise in education."
PHOTO
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, centre, Quebec Premier Pauline Marois, right, and Nova Scotia Premier Darryl Dexter listen to Elder Walter Cooke conduct the opening prayer for premiers from across the countr y and National Aboriginal Organization leaders during a meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., on Wednesday. AARON LYNETT • CP
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