"On Red Dress Day, we acknowledge the spirits of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Sprit people who have been failed by the institutions that are meant to protect them. From 2016 to 2021, 247 Indigenous women were identified as homicide victims. This story is all too common in our country. On May 5th, I had the privilege of sharing a few words with the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society and Cowichan Tribes surrounding the importance of Red Dress Day. I mentioned that the red dresses are a visual reminder of the, sadly, ongoing genocide, and serve as a call-to-action for all, but particularly, those of us in government, to take further action towards protecting indigenous women and girls.
"New Democrats know that action is needed. That’s why we have called on the government to implement a Red Dress alert system, similar to an Amber Alert, in order to make a difference in the peace and security that Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people feel in Canada. Rest assured, we will continue fighting to form a government that provides immediate action, not more excuses. As always, I remain committed to holding the government accountable in the fight for justice for all indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. Because every Canadian has a right to live in safety, with security and dignity."
-Alistair MacGregor, MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford