Chilliwack's Steven Point handed role as "champion" of missing women report recommendations
In immediate response to Wally Oppal's missing women report, the province has appointed former Lieutenant Governor Steven Point of Chilliwack to "champion" the cause.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond appointed Point to chair a new advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women.
The move came Monday afternoon in response to the final report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI).
The report, entitled "Forsaken: The Report of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry" outlines critical and systemic failures during the investigation into missing and murdered women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside between 1997 and 2002.
Among the findings in the 1,448-page report is the recommendation a regional police force be established.
"We are the only major city in Canada without a regionalized police force," Oppal told the Vancouver Sun.
The report makes 65 recommendations in an attempt to avoid another serial killer like Willy Pickton.
Systemic issues pointed out by Oppal include poverty, racism, drug addiction and a lack of affordable housing.
In a press release issued Monday, the government announced over the next few months it would review the report and welcome input—via Point's committee—"from groups directly impacted by the recommendations including families of the missing and murdered women, the Vancouver Police Department, the RCMP and the City of Vancouver, all of whom just received the report today."
Point issued a statement Monday on his appointment as chair of the committee:
"I am pleased to have been asked by Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond to get involved in this very important work addressing the recommendations that came out of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
"I realize that these are very sensitive and difficult issues. I look forward to working collaboratively with all parties concerned, and seeking positive solutions as we move forward to implement the recommendations that have been made by commissioner Wally Oppal.
"I have always been guided by my own cultural values and the wisdom of the elders—I will bring that to my position as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women.
"It is my sincere hope that this committee will serve as a vehicle for reconciliation and healing for our province. I am positive that we can work together through these recommendations and make a difference consistent with the spirit and intent of commissioner Oppal's report."