Provincial and federal governments have each committed $20 million to investigate a landfill near Winnipeg in search of the remains of two First Nations women.

Prime Minister Wab Kinew, Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Manitoba Chiefs Association (AMC), federal representatives from Ottawa, and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham met with the families of Morgan Harris and Mercedes Miran on Friday afternoon.

The women's bodies are believed to be buried in the Prairie Green landfill north of Winnipeg.

Cambria, the daughter of Morgan Harris, spoke to the media after the meeting, saying, “I am very grateful for these commitments to move forward, and I hope we can continue to provide transparency to members of the public, community members, and families alike.” "And I pray that we see justice one day."

The families had previously accused the provincial government of delay and negligence since it promised during last fall's election campaign that there would be an inspection of the landfill.

Prime Minister Wab Kinew said he is committed to inspecting the landfill, but as of earlier this month, he was unable to answer questions about timelines, process details, and funding.

An Indigenous-led committee released two reports on the feasibility of the search, which was estimated to cost $90 million if completed within a year.

Jeremy Skibicki is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Harris, Miran, and two other women. Rebecca Contois, whose partial remains were found in a different landfill, and an unidentified woman referred to by Indigenous leaders as Buffalo Woman, whose remains have not been found.

The province also allocated $500,000 to support families during Skibicki's trial. The federal governments are also spending $200,000 to support families.

Grand Chief Merrick said, "Today is a very bittersweet day." "It is a feeling of relief, but there is still a need for action."