Minister Refuses To Stand During Ovation For An Inquiry Into Missing And Murdered Aboriginal Women

The super awkward moment happened during the Truth and Reconciliation report hearing.

By
Paul McLeod
by Paul McLeod

BuzzFeed Political Editor, Canada

On Tuesday, Justice Murray Sinclair unveiled his long-awaited Truth and Reconciliation Report into residential schools.

Reuters

The report contains 94 recommendations. Some could be easily done, others will be hugely controversial.

Sinclair presented the report to a room full of media, politicians, and guests.

CBC

When Sinclair got to recommendation 41 — an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women that advocates and even the United Nations have been calling for for years — the crowd erupted into a standing ovation.

Except for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt, who refused to stand from his seat in the first row.

CBC

Valcourt was caught in an awkward situation. His boss has said an inquiry is not a priority and Valcourt has dismissed an inquiry as just another study that would be used as an excuse to not take action.

His seatmate, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, was not impressed.

CBC

~Mulcair glare~

Not impressed indeed.

CBC

BuzzFeed Canada has reached out to the Minister's office for comment.

Valcourt's office responded by reiterating their position on an inquiry: "We have heard from victims’ families that now is the time for action, not more studies, and that’s what we are committed to."

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