The mass casualty that took place in Nova Scotia in April 2020 took the lives of many innocent people and left others with serious physical and emotional injuries. We know the scale of the loss and trauma is broad and has affected the sense of safety for many people in our communities, province, country and beyond. It is important for the Commission to capture the far-reaching and ongoing effects to help inform and shape the findings and recommendations to help keep communities safer.
Why are we asking you to share?
The Commission has been focused on consulting and working with those most affected – families, first responders, individuals and communities – to understand their perspectives and experiences. We also want to make sure we are listening to the public and hearing from anyone affected by the mass casualty.
We have heard from a number of people who were unsure about speaking up because they felt there were others who were more directly affected than them. Please be assured that we want to hear from people across Nova Scotia, Canada and beyond. No matter who you are or where you are, your experience and perspective matters.
How can you share?
In November, we conducted an online survey to ask you how you would like to share your stories to make sure we collect this often difficult information in a way that works best for you. Most of you told us that you were most comfortable providing your experience in writing online, but would appreciate a series of questions to help shape your responses. Based on your feedback, we created a survey to help you share your experience.
The survey has now closed. However, you can still share your experience via email or speak with someone directly using the contact information below. The main questions from the survey are provided below to help if you would still like to provide input.
How will my input be used?
All stories and experiences gathered through the Share Your Experience process will be collected and reviewed by the Commission. This information will help inform our recommendations and ensure the broad impact of the mass casualty is reflected in the final report. This process is one of the many ways the Commission is gathering information about the mass casualty; others include investigations, document review, research, public proceedings and other public engagement activities.
We know that sharing your experience with us could be difficult. Please make sure to consider what would work best for you. Do you want to have a support person with you while you write or share your responses? Maybe set up a time to do it, and have a check-in with a loved one or support person planned for afterward? There are also tips and supports listed on our wellness page in case you are experiencing overwhelming emotions or distress.
Contact Us
If you would like to send a submission now that the survey has closed, you can do so via email or over the phone. Please send your submission to info@masscasualtycommission.ca and include “Share Your Experience Submission” in the subject line of your email.
If you would like to set up a time to speak to someone directly either over the telephone, video call, or in person as COVID-19 restrictions allow, please email info@masscasualtycommisson.ca or call 902-407-7532 (local) or 1-833-635-2501 (toll-free).
Thank you for participating.