First, a huge thank you for your support of this petition. I'm truly blown away by the response so far! As the October election approaches, I will work hard to make sure our political leaders know how important this is. Whoever becomes our next Prime Minister, they must make a federal act to end violence against women -- especially indigenous women -- a priority. I will be asking Harper, Trudeau and Mulcair to commit to this throughout the course of their campaigns. Since launching this petition, many people have asked me why we need a Federal Act, and how it relates to the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. For more background, I spoke with Mary Teegee, Director of Child & Family Services at Carrier Sekani Family Services in the northern community of Prince George. Mary is an expert in her field, and is dedicated to improving social services for indigenous communities in British Columbia and Canada. She also knows firsthand the pain felt by so many communities who have lost women and girls to violence. In June 1994, Mary's 16-year-old cousin Ramona Wilson went missing along the Highway of Tears. Ramona's body was found 10 months later outside of Smithers, BC. Mary is a member of the Highway of Tears Initiative Board of Directors and is also one of the main reasons I pushed ahead with this petition. I couldn't have made the Highway of Tears documentary without her help and leadership. Below are Mary's thoughts on some key questions about this initiative. I'll have more details and insights to share on this in the coming months. In the meantime, please continue to support us by sharing this petition and challenging us to modify it to best service the needs of all Canadians. With gratitude, Matt Q & A with Mary Teegee What is your current position? Mary: Executive Director of Child and Family Services, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, BC Why do you feel it is important to push for a Federal Act? Mary: A Federal Act would compel the government to provide resources for initiatives to address the Missing and Murdered Women issue in Canada as well as the domestic violence problems. Where did the idea to create a Federal Act come from? Is there another country that has something like this already? If so, was it well received? Mary: The United States have a Violence Against Women Act as part of their legislation empowering the federal government to participate in the fight against domestic violence. They have released over 5 billion dollars in providing services to address this issue they passed the Act. With enough support, do you think you can achieve the goals you've set out for the creation of the Federal Act? Mary: Yes, it is time for us to address this issue and I am confident that people will support this initiative. What is the most important element that needs to be in place in order for the Federal Act to move forward (lawyers, petitioners, public support)? Mary: Public support. We are a democratic country and we have the freedom and the right to be part of the necessary changes in our country. What happens to the pleas for a national inquiry if the Federal Act is put into effect? Mary: The National Inquiry and all the other research and reports that have been completed would be the foundation for the Act. Why is the Federal Act specifically tailored to Aboriginal women and not all women? Mary: The Act could be for all women with a specific approach for Aboriginal Women; inclusive, but allowing for cultural diversity to deal with systemic issues such as the impacts of Residential School. Why should people sign this petition? Mary: It is the right thing to do in the spirit of reconciliation. Why is the creation of this Federal Act important to you? Mary: The safety and wellbeing of my sisters is important to me.