Five questions for the inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women

OTTAWA — The Liberal government is winding up a consultation process with families as it looks to set the mandate for an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.

Here are five questions the government will need to explore:

1. Who will the commissioner or commissioners be?

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said Monday the government still needs to determine who will lead the inquiry but there is hope the process will be up and running by the summer. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had three commissioners for its six-year study of the residential school legacy. How many for this inquiry?

2. What will the role be for police forces?

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson made headlines in December when he admitted there are racists within the national police force. Bennett has also indicated some families in the pre-inquiry process have suggested they do not trust police. How will officers be involved in the inquiry process?

3. How long will the inquiry take?

During the election campaign, the Liberals said they were looking at a two-year inquiry. Bennett indicated Monday the breadth and depth of the problem is far greater than the government originally anticipated. Does this mean the future commissioners will need more time to look at complex issues that come up during the course of the inquiry?

4. How much will it cost?

The Liberals suggested during the campaign that the inquiry would cost $40-million, but Bennett later indicated this was a "placeholder" budget. The government is keen to ensure it gets the process right. Will this be enough money for this undertaking or will more be needed?

5. How will the government ensure the inquiry is national in scope?

Bennett said Monday the government will need to work closely with the provinces and territories to ensure the examination is not simply a federal undertaking. How will provincial and territorial governments be involved in the process as it moves forward? What kind of travel will be involved in the study?

The Canadian Press