September 3, 2021
This update includes information on community site visits and mail, upcoming Open Houses, and livestream progress update from the Commissioners next week.
Last week, members of the Mass Casualty Commission team visited Portapique, Wentworth, Glenholme, Debert, Shubenacadie, Onslow, Enfield, and surrounding communities to gather more information about terrain, routes and locations. These site visits included the use of aerial drones and other camera equipment to take accurate and respectful footage for use during public proceedings and throughout the Commission’s work. Once again, we want to thank the members of these communities for their patience and assistance.
Starting this week, people living in the communities in closest proximity to the April 2020 mass casualty will receive a brief, postcard-sized introduction (or, for many, a reintroduction) to the Commission in the mail. We are sending this card to make sure that everyone in the communities knows about the Commission, where to find more information, and how to get in touch with us with questions or information. We have included a copy of the card below. You can read more about this in our recent Community Notice.
We are also holding a series of public Open Houses in September to share information with community members about the Commission. These meetings are an opportunity for you to learn more about our work and ask questions. You are welcome to drop in any time during the Open House to gather information or have a conversation with Commission team members. The information that will be shared is the same at each location, so we encourage you to attend the one that is most convenient for you. These will not be the only opportunities to engage with the Commission. There will be more public activities in the future. We hope to see you there. Please see time/location options below:
Open House – Sunday, September 26
- Location: Debert Hospitality Centre, 130 Ventura Drive, Debert, NS (Please use Hurricane Entrance)
- Time: 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Open House – Monday, September 27
- Location: Douglas Street Recreation Centre, 40 Douglas St, Truro, NS
- Time: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Open House – Tuesday, September 28
- Location: Legends Gaming & Convention Centre, 15 Legends Ave, Millbrook, NS
- Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM
Open House – Wednesday, September 29
- Location: Wentworth Recreation Centre, 13752 Hwy 4, Wentworth, NS
- Time: 4:30PM to 6:30PM
As you can see, the Commission is focused on the many connected aspects of our work. We are committed to conducting an independent, thorough and evidence-based inquiry. Doing this right takes care, diligence, collaboration and time. It also takes the support and engagement of many people – including you. The goal of our work is enhanced public safety, and our team wants to ensure that no stone is left unturned. If community members have facts related to the events, we want to hear them. There is no fact too small. You can read more about this in our recent Community Notice.
Next week, we are planning a livestream progress update from the Commissioners. We will share details for this through our website and social media platforms on Tuesday.
Thank you for your calls and emails. If you have any questions or information you think would be helpful to our work, or we can help you better understand our next steps, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission at info@MassCasualtyCommission.ca or 902-407-7532.
Respectfully,
The Mass Casualty Commission
Hon. J. Michael MacDonald, Chair
Leanne J. Fitch (Ret. Police Chief, M.O.M.)
Dr. Kim Stanton