Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for being here for the cause you champion, Ms. Anderson‑Pyrz.
This issue has been taken seriously in Quebec. I imagine you are aware that since September 1, 2021, there has been a law designed to support indigenous families in their efforts to get answers about their child's disappearance or death following admission to a health or social services institution before December 31, 1992. That law authorizes the disclosure of personal information to the families of indigenous children who disappeared or died following admission to an institution.
Three and a half years after the law came into force, we have seen that 121 families have applied to the family support branch of the first nations and Inuit relations secretariat and its partner, the Awacak Association. I would also like to recognize the leadership of Françoise Ruperthouse, general manager of the association. This has shed light on the case of 209 children who disappeared or died following admission to an institution.
Might a law like that be needed in Canada?
Most importantly, should there be more transparency regarding the information in the government's possession about the past of children who disappeared or died, in order to shed light on their cases? It seems very unclear to me.