May 12, 2021
We hope everyone is staying safe and well as COVID-19 infection rates continue to be of concern in Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all those taking part in the Mass Casualty Commission.
We have implemented COVID-19 Protocols and are shaping our plans so that we conduct our work safely by following public health guidance and using virtual participation tools when it is not possible to hold in person meetings or events.
Our mandate provides an opportunity for appropriate participation in the Commission’s proceedings for those most affected by the April 18 and 19, 2020 mass casualty. In March, we issued a call for applications for participation to other individuals and groups with a substantial and direct interest in the subject matter of the inquiry. We received more than 60 applications and have reviewed each one carefully. As the next step in this process, this week we will be releasing our Participation Decision. Please join us tomorrow at 11:00 am ADT on Thursday, May 13 for the announcement via a virtual webcast on our website: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/participation. The video will be available for you to watch later too, and the full Participation Decision document will also be available for you to read. Our team will be in touch with Participants directly to confirm their participation and discuss next steps.
We would like to thank the many individuals and groups who applied for an opportunity to participate in the Commission’s process. It is not necessary to have applied to be a Participant in order to be involved in our work. For example, members of the public may attend future community events and public proceedings. We encourage people to follow our website and social media for updates.
We would like to take this opportunity to underscore the independence of the Commission, following the recent confusion created by the distribution of an RCMP business card that included the Commission name. The Mass Casualty Commission is an independent inquiry whose responsibilities include reviewing the RCMP’s activities with respect to the mass casualty and its aftermath. We do not employ anyone from or take instruction from the RCMP, and we have asked the RCMP to remove the card to avoid further confusion. We have further requested that no public documentation or materials from the RCMP imply that there is any relationship between the RCMP and the Commission. Our independence is essential to carry out our mandate. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out at info@masscasualtycommission.ca and we can follow up.
In the months ahead we will continue our research, investigations and planning for community information sessions, policy roundtables and other proceedings. We will be consulting with communities and Participants on our approach and timelines, while always ensuring we are following public health guidelines and using virtual tools as needed. We encourage you to contact the Commission at the email above if you have any questions, and to use the resources available on our website if you need support.
Respectfully,
The Mass Casualty Commission
Hon. J. Michael MacDonald, Chair
Leanne J. Fitch (Ret. Police Chief, M.O.M.)
Dr. Kim Stanton