An Update from the Commissioners – August 19, 2022

While proceedings have been on break the past few weeks, the Commission team has been busy preparing for upcoming witnesses and for Phase 3 work that will focus on gathering input and suggestions for recommendations that can help to make our communities safer.

Witnesses

Next week, we will hear from two more senior RCMP members about their roles at the time of the mass casualty, focusing on lessons learned, changes made to date and opportunities for additional changes and improvements. Proceedings for next week will be held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Please remember to register in advance for on-site attendance of the proceedings.

Monday, August 22 and Tuesday, August 23 (as needed)

• Witness: Assistant Commissioner (Retired) Lee Bergerman, RCMP
  • At the time of the mass casualty, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman was the Commanding Officer of the H Division RCMP in Nova Scotia. Assistant Commissioner Bergerman is now retired. To supplement her lengthy Commission interview, Assistant Commissioner Bergerman is expected to speak to topics including the following:
    • RCMP culture
    • Psychological autopsy of the perpetrator
    • Issues Management Team
    • After-action reviews
    • H Division leadership and supervision
    • Police advisory boards and local governments
    • Communications with municipalities
    • Community policing

Tuesday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 24 (as needed)

• Witness: Commissioner Brenda Lucki, RCMP
  • To supplement her lengthy Commission interview, Commissioner Lucki is expected to speak to topics including the following:
    • RCMP culture
    • After-action reviews
    • H Division leadership and supervision
    • The role of communications within the RCMP

Thursday, August 25

• Witness: Halifax Regional Police Chief, Dan Kinsella

Preparing for Phase 3 – Findings and Recommendations

Starting in late August and continuing in September, the focus of the Commission’s activities is to consider potential findings and to develop pragmatic recommendations. The Commission will be examining all the information that has been learned to date, and will seek input from Participants, experts, the public, community groups, organizations and institutions that are responsible for keeping us safe. These will be the final opportunities for input as we undertake our task of writing the final report, which will set out findings, lessons learned and recommendations. We will share more information about this phase and how you can participate very soon.

Share your suggestions for change

As we head into the final months of our work, this is the time for everyone to share their ideas for change that can help to make our communities safer. Your input is important to developing meaningful recommendations that are realistic and able to be implemented.

There are many ways for you to share your thoughts and recommendations for change with the Commission:

• Submit your thoughts online – This is a research-focused option that closes on September 1, but the Commission will continue to welcome general suggestions throughout September.
• Email Info@MassCasualtyCommission.ca – Please use the subject line “Public Submission”.
• Call 902-407-7532 (local) or 1-833-635-2501 (toll-free)
• Mail a letter with your thoughts:

Mass Casualty Commission – Public Submission

1791 Barrington Street, Suite 310

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3K9

All submissions and input received will be considered as we prepare the final report and recommendations. Submissions may be referenced or shared publicly as part of our work, including in the final report.

Key resources to help you understand what happened, how and why

• Foundational Documents: Each document shares the key facts and events leading up to, during and after the mass casualty.
• Investigations Supplementary Reports: Each report contains the results of further investigation into specific questions or events.
• Policy Documents: Includes summaries of key information about legislation or policies relating to areas in the Commission’s mandate.
• Commissioned Reports: Each report focuses on key government and policy structures, as well as academic research and lessons learned from previous mass casualties.

For those engaging with the Commission’s work online or in-person, please remember mental health, wellness and other supports are available if you or a loved one need them, both on-site at the proceedings and through the Commission’s website.

Sincerely,

The Mass Casualty Commission

Hon. J. Michael MacDonald, Chair

Leanne J. Fitch (Ret. Police Chief, M.O.M.)

Dr. Kim Stanton