Background on the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to move forward on the implementation of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice and the associated National Action Plan. This promise aimed to address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people by building on the 231 Calls for Justice outlined in the 2019 National Inquiry report. The National Action Plan, released in 2021, serves as a framework for governments, Indigenous organizations, and partners to enact these calls through coordinated efforts, including the Federal Pathway.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in 2025, the Carney government has continued to release annual progress reports on the National Action Plan, as required by the framework established under previous administrations. In June 2025, the government published an annual report tracking Canada's progress toward addressing the MMIWG crisis, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as partnerships with Indigenous organizations and investments in community safety programs. This report emphasized actions under the Federal Pathway, including distinctions-based plans contributed by groups like the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).

The government has also engaged in public statements and forums to reaffirm commitment. For instance, Prime Minister Carney addressed the AFN in April 2025, pledging to maintain momentum on reconciliation efforts, which indirectly supports MMIWG implementation. Additionally, the 2024-25 Highlight Report from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) detailed specific First Nations priorities, such as those in the AFN's "Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice" plan.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No major new legislation specifically tied to the MMIWG Calls for Justice has been proposed or passed under the Carney government as of August 2025. However, the administration has supported existing frameworks, including funding allocations in the 2025 federal budget for Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at preventing violence and supporting survivors. This includes enhancements to policing coordination through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as outlined in their 2025 updates on MMIWG-related actions. Critics, including Indigenous advocacy groups, have noted that while reporting mechanisms are in place, tangible legislative changes—such as national standards for police responses or comprehensive anti-trafficking laws—remain pending.

Progress on Key Points of the Promise

The promise focuses on advancing implementation of the Calls for Justice and the National Action Plan. On the Calls for Justice, the government's 2025 annual report claims advancements in areas like cultural safety and health supports, but independent assessments, such as the AFN's June 2025 Progress Report, indicate that only a small fraction—fewer than one percent—of the 231 calls have been fully implemented. Regarding the National Action Plan, the Carney administration has continued federal contributions, including monitoring and reporting, but has faced criticism for slow on-the-ground changes, particularly in addressing human trafficking as highlighted by the AFN.

Overall, while reporting and engagements demonstrate some movement, substantial implementation gaps persist, with advocates calling for more aggressive action to fulfill the promise's intent.

Challenges and Criticisms

Organizations like the AFN and media outlets have criticized the pace of progress, noting that six years after the National Inquiry's final report, real changes are limited. A May 2025 article questioned whether the Carney government would act decisively, pointing to the lack of new Indigenous-specific announcements during the election campaign. If progress stalls further, there is a risk of being broken through inaction or insufficient funding.

Path to Fulfillment

To consider this promise kept, the government would need to achieve substantial implementation of the majority of the 231 Calls for Justice, including passing targeted legislation, fully funding Indigenous-led programs, and demonstrating measurable reductions in violence rates. Continued stagnation or failure to address criticisms could lead to the promise being deemed broken.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.