All RCMP divisions ordered to leave no stone unturned for unsolved cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women

RCMP higher-ups gave the orders Friday at the same time a report on missing and murdered women was made public.

The report found that even though aboriginal women make up four per cent of the population, they represent 16 per cent of all murdered females between 1980 and 2012 and 11 per cent of all missing females.

Divisions have six months to report on their progress.

Commanding officers must review outstanding case files to ensure all investigative avenues have been followed, including DNA testing, and to make sure investigators have reached out to family members, especially in older cases.

The bulk of money allocated for family violence prevention will also be re-directed to high-risk communities so police can work with non-profit groups to shepherd community meetings and develop community-safety plans.

National Women’s Association of Canada, the NDP and the Liberals have all called for public inquiries in missing and murdered women. But the Conservatives say this is not necessary.