November 4, 2022
The Commissioners express their deep condolences at the passing of Leon Joudrey; transcripts available from recent meetings with those most affected, Participants and others.
This week, like many of you, we learned the very sad news that Leon Joudrey passed away last weekend. Mr. Joudrey was a community member in Portapique and a Participant in the Commission’s process. Our deepest condolences go to Mr. Joudrey’s family, friends, neighbours and everyone who had the privilege to know him, including through the work of the Commission.
We had the opportunity to hear directly from Mr. Joudrey during a Participant consultation, where he shared his experiences and discussed recommendations. We are deeply appreciative of his contributions to help make communities safer as we develop recommendations for the final report. We understand that Mr. Joudrey’s family will continue to be involved in the Commission’s work as a Participant.
Commission staff have been reaching out to Participants and their counsel this week to touch base and highlight available supports. If you or someone you know needs help, please get in touch with one of the wellness services listed on the Commission’s website or to another provider near you. The Nova Scotian Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-429-8167. You do not need to be in a crisis to call. You can also call 211 in Nova Scotia anytime to be connected to support services.
Transcripts from Recent Meetings
The Commission held small group sessions and other Participant and community consultations as part of the final phase of our work. Sessions were organized in consultation with Participants so we could meet again with those most affected, listening as they shared their experiences and discussed their recommendations for the final report, either in Small Group Sessions and/or as part of a Participant Consultation. Other Stakeholder Consultations were led by members of the Commission’s research and policy and community engagement teams, bringing together community representatives to discuss the issues we are reviewing to help inform potential recommendations. Once again we thank all the Participants, community members and others who took part in these conversations. Transcripts from these meetings are now available on the Commission’s website.
We continue to focus on preparing the final report, which will be shared publicly by March 31, 2023. Please continue to stay engaged and prepared to help put the coming recommendations into action. And please continue to speak up if you or someone you know needs help. Looking out for each other and seeking help when we need it are at the heart of building safer communities.
Sincerely,
The Mass Casualty Commission
Hon. J. Michael MacDonald, Chair
Leanne J. Fitch (Ret. Police Chief, M.O.M.)
Dr. Kim Stanton