First Nations and Women's groups critical of B.C. government for not implementing recommendations

First Nations and Women's groups are critical of British Columbia’s government for not implementing recommendations from the missing women’s inquiry, which looked into the failures of the investigation of serial killer Robert Pickton. “We’re sick and tired of going to funeral after funeral after funeral. Enough is enough,” said Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. Phillip said groups are “frustrated and disgusted with the unwillingness and inaction on the part of the provincial government.” He said the groups did not want to see this inquiry end up like many others, with dozens of recommendations that simply sit on a shelf and go nowhere.” A report released in December 2012 blamed years of inadequate and failed police investigations for Pickton being allowed to prey on sex trade workers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The inquiry issued 63 recommendations, including enhancing public transit to northern B.C. communities, especially along the so-called Highway of Tears, and increased funding for emergency services so they can stay open 24 hours a day. Only two of the 63 recommendations have had any work done on them, Phillip said.