Ways to Participate – Updated Information for April/May 2012

In addition to the formal hearings being held, the Commission welcomes and encourages the public to contribute to the Inquiry throughout the course of the Commission’s work.

Below is a brief summary of the various methods by which individuals and organizations can become involved or have their opinions and/or recommendations heard by the Commission.

Public Policy Forums

Along with the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry hearings, there will also be a series of six important Public Policy Forums held during the first two weeks of May. These forums are a component of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry Study Commission.

The forums will be held in downtown Vancouver from May 1 to May 10, 2012 and will focus on how to improve the safety and security of vulnerable women. More information can be found under Forums on this website. Please view our forum information videos and read the forum booklets to find out how to participate and why your input is crucial in helping to save the lives of vulnerable women who are still at risk today.

Written Submissions – Deadline Extended to May 31, 2012

The Commission invites members of the public to make written submissions on the subject matter of the inquiry. Submissions will be reviewed by commission staff and may be considered by the Commissioner.

The Commission will accept submissions by email, fax or mail; please see below for contact details. Submissions must be relevant to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. Submissions that are not relevant, or are otherwise inappropriate, may not be considered.

Submissions received by the Commission may be posted to the Commission’s website along with the author’s name, city and the date that the submission was made.
To ensure your submission receives full and careful attention, please be concise and clearly identify any recommendations you are making.

The closing date for the receipt of written submissions has been extended to May 31, 2012.

Previous Information on Ways to Participate

In addition to the formal hearings to be held later this year, the Commission welcomes and encourages the public to contribute to the Inquiry throughout the course of the Commission’s work.

Below is a brief summary of the various methods by which individuals and organizations can become involved or have their opinions and/or recommendations heard by the Commission.

1. Pre-Hearing Conferences

The Commission has decided to hold the Pre-Hearing Conferences in order to give the Commissioner an opportunity to explain the purpose for the Commission and to provide an opportunity for members of the community to speak to the Commissioner and Commission staff about the issues that it should be considering, within its Terms of Reference.

Members of the public and organizations are invited to attend and, if desired, make a formal presentation to the Commission. Please see the section Pre-Hearing Conferences for more information.

2. Evidentiary Hearings

In November 2010 the Commission invited individuals and organizations to submit applications to participate in the evidentiary hearings. Hearings on standing will be conducted at the end of January 2011 and a decision on participant status will be released shortly thereafter.

3. Written Submissions

The Commission invites members of the public to make written submissions on the subject matter of the inquiry. Submissions will be reviewed by commission staff, and may be considered by the Commissioner.

The Commission will accept submissions by email, fax or mail, please see below for contact details. Submissions must be relevant to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. Submissions that are not relevant, or are otherwise inappropriate, may not be considered.

Submissions received by the Commission may be posted to the Commission’s website along with the author’s name, city and the date that the submission was made.

To ensure your submission receives full and careful attention, please be concise and clearly identify any recommendations you are making.

The closing date for the receipt of written submissions is March 31, 2012.

4. Northern Community Forums

The Commission has decided to hold Community Forums in Northern British Columbia to provide an informal venue in which interested members of the community can provide their input to the Commissioner. This input will assist the Commissioner to carry out his mandate to recommend changes respecting the initiation and conduct of investigations in British Columbia of missing women and suspected multiple homicides.

Afternoon and evening sessions will be held in different communities between Prince Rupert and Prince George from September 12-22, 2011. Details regarding each date, time and venue will be announced shortly.

At the Forums, Commissioner Oppal will make a short presentation about the work of the Commission and individuals will be invited to make brief oral presentations (about 10 minutes).
If you are interested in participating in one of the Community Forums, please contact the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry by September 8, 2011. All presenters must be pre-registered.

For more information about the Northern Community Forums, please see:

Northern Community Forums – Invitation to Participate
Northern Community Forums – Frequently Asked Questions
Northern Community Forums – Questions and Issues