Canada pledges millions to investigate landfill for missing women

The federal government and the Manitoba government have agreed to fund an investigation into the Prairie Green Landfill in Winnipeg. This site is suspected to be the burial ground for missing women, believed to be victims of a serial killer. The trial related to these cases will start in April.

Jeremy Skibicki, charged with the first-degree murder of Rebeka Contois, Morgan Harris, and Marcedes Myran, might have several other unidentified victims—specifically, Canadian Indigenous women. Over the past few decades, numerous mysterious disappearances have been noted, with accusations that authorities have neglected these cases, especially those involving Indigenous and Inuit women.

There is a possibility that amongst those missing, some women might be runaways. However, they could also have been murdered by Skibicki or other criminals. The remains of some individuals, whom the accused has admitted to killing, have not yet been found. These might be concealed within the private Prairie Green Landfill.

In response to this harrowing situation, Canadian authorities have pledged CAD 20 million (USD 14.7 million) to support the investigation. According to reports from the British newspaper "Guardian," the police initially claimed a lack of resources to conduct a search of the landfill to ascertain the presence of any remains disposed of by the serial killer.

The controversy even made its way into election campaign discussions. Public outrage and frustration were triggered earlier when the provincial government declined to financially support the search. Experts have highlighted that the allocated budget might still be insufficient for such an extensive operation, as the victims may be buried under tons of clay.

- However, we are pleased that we can move forward, equipped with the necessary resources to meticulously search the targeted area. We cannot predict the outcome, but we are obligated to make the effort. This is our duty to the victims' families - stated Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.

One challenging aspect of the search at the Prairie Green landfill is the large quantities of asbestos present. This hazardous material is usually contained in thick bags and buried. Reports from Canadian Press suggest there could be up to 784 tons of asbestos at the site.

In recent decades, over 4,000 Indigenous women and girls have disappeared without a trace. Indigenous groups in Winnipeg have been actively organizing marches and road blockades for months, aiming to compel officials to commence a search. The most recent demonstration was held on March 8, International Women's Day.

Source: "Guardian"