April 30, 2021
We are pleased to provide an update on our work and our anticipated next steps.
On April 18th the Mass Casualty Commission independently observed the Nova Scotia memorial service and moment of silence in honour of those who lost their lives one year ago. We are keenly aware that the loss of life and of public trust are the reasons we are here to do this work. Our thoughts are with all those affected every day as we conduct the Inquiry process.
In response to the Call for Applications for Participation issued in March, we received 60 applications from a variety of individuals and groups who wish to contribute to the Commissions work. Each application received careful consideration.
- Our decision on the Applications for Participation will be delivered via a virtual broadcast and will be fully accessible for public viewing. The written decision will be posted to the website. We anticipate the date of this broadcast will be May 13th and we will confirm in a further update next week as we continue to plan carefully with the evolving COVID considerations.
- Like this decision, all of the Commission’s proceedings will be broadcast for public viewing on our website, masscasualtycommission.ca. We encourage you to check our website for ongoing updates.
- The Commission’s investigation team has begun its work. Specifically, they will gather information about April 18-19, 2020, including what happened; the police response to the events; operational tactics, responses, decision-making and supervision; communication within the RCMP, with other police forces and agencies, and with the public; training policies and practices as they relate to gender-based and intimate partner violence; policy and practices in the management of police equipment (including vehicles); and police response to firearms investigations. Investigators wish to hear from anyone who may shed light on the events of April 18-19, 2020. If you or someone you know wants to get in touch with the investigations team, please contact Joel.Kulmatycki at 902-394-3501 or Joel.Kulmatycki@masscasualtycommission.ca.
- We have added a media page and a visual overview of the Inquiry process to our website. These new additions promote education, transparency and clarity of Inquiry activities. Please visit our website for an overview of the inquiry process.
- Over the coming months, we will continue our research and investigations, including conducting document review and witness interviews. We will plan community engagement sessions, policy roundtables and a variety of other proceedings. We will consult with communities and Participants as we create a schedule for Commission proceedings, but we expect that some of the proceedings can begin in late spring while most will occur this fall. We will provide more information as the logistics for the proceedings are determined, always in line with public health guidelines. Again, proceedings will be available by virtual broadcast.
- As case numbers increase in Nova Scotia, we want to reiterate our commitment to health and safety for all participants of the Commission. We have developed a COVID-19 plan and continue to liaise with the Medical Officer of Health’s office to ensure we are adhering to all necessary protocols. We are closely monitoring the status in communities and adjusting our plans as needed.
Respectfully,
The Mass Casualty Commission
Hon. J. Michael MacDonald, Chair
Leanne J. Fitch (Ret. Police Chief, M.O.M.)
Dr. Kim Stanton