Trudeau no longer calls Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls tragedy a “genocide”

"One year ago today, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls presented its final report," writes Trudeau, "and shared with all Canadians the dark and painful experiences of violence against Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ and two-spirit people."

In 2019, Trudeau made headlines for saying the deaths and disappearances of Indigenous communities amounted to "genocide," telling a crowd in Vancouver, "We accept their findings, including that what happened amounts to genocide."

“We accept the finding that this was genocide, and we will move forward to end this ongoing national tragedy," he told the crowd—a word the prime minister has since not used to describe the tragedy.

“The National Inquiry has shown us the way forward. We know that there is still much more to do to end the systemic gender and racial discrimination that continues today," the prime minister continues. "As we continue to walk the path of reconciliation, we will listen to the voices of families and survivors, as well as grassroots organizations and Indigenous leaders who work every day to advocate for their communities and keep them safe.

“Everyone has a role to play to end violence and ensure the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and two-spirit people. Together with families and survivors, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, Indigenous organizations, and provincial, territorial, and municipal partners, we will continue work and redouble our efforts to develop a truly National Action Plan to honour those we have lost, help their families heal, and protect current and future generations.”

Yesterday, when Trudeau was asked about the matter at his daily coronavirus press conference, Trudeau again refused to use the word "genocide," and instead opted to point out that there was ongoing conversation as to what language should be used.

The full statement can be read here.