“Each year on Feb. 14, we stand with survivors, families and loved ones who march to honour the Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people whose lives have been cut short by violence.

“Since 1992, women’s memorial marches have taken place on this day in communities across the country. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a national day of remembrance and a call to action to end this ongoing crisis.

“Alberta’s government is taking action, and my commitment as minister has been unwavering since I stood with families and survivors in Quebec in 2019 to receive the National Inquiry’s Final Report into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

“We’ve made progress and established the Premier’s Council on MMIWG to continue working on this issue, as recommended by the Alberta Joint Working Group on MMIWG. The council is ensuring the voices of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people reach decision-makers in government.

“All government ministries, as well as the council, have reviewed 113 Pathways to Justice, the joint working group’s final report and recommendations. It will continue to inform our work as we implement the Alberta MMIWG Roadmap.

“We know there is much more work to be done, and we are committed to seeing this through and finding lasting solutions with our Indigenous partners.

“I ask that all people living in Alberta reflect on how we can take action in our local communities to help ensure Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people feel safe, secure and respected.”