OTTAWA — The Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard concerns about coerced sterilization of Indigenous women during its years-long examination of Canada’s residential school legacy, Sen. Murray Sinclair said Thursday as he joined a chorus of calls for a national investigation on the issue. This week, the UN Committee Against Torture heard from Canadian representatives about concerns over modern-day sterilization of Indigenous women in Canada. On Wednesday, committee rapporteur Sebastien Touze said forced sterilization must be seen as equivalent to torture. He asked for Canada to examine specific criminal provisions related to forced sterilization, whether it is perpetrated by a public agent or private individual. Alisa Lombard, an associate with a law firm leading a proposed class action on forced sterilization of Indigenous women, said Thursday that immediate action is required to prevent the practice and protect Indigenous women.

Source: National Post November 22, 2018 19:43 UTC