Parliamentary Committee Notes: Speaking points Nova Scotia Shooting Incident
Issue:
Issues with the Mass Casualty Commission have been raised and addressed to the minister and the government of Canada. These include challenges naming witnesses (i.e. RCMP members) and lack of access by family legal counsel to witnesses (indirect questioning only). These concerns may be echoed at the SECU meeting.
Proposed Response:
- The Government supports the Mass Casualty Commission in its mandate.
- It recognizes the importance of providing a full, factual accounting of what happened prior to and during the mass casualty event for the victims’ families and the public.
- The Government does not have the ability to provide directions to the Commission. The Commission is an independent body. Under Part I of the Inquiries Act (Canada) and Nova Scotia’s Public Inquiries Act, the Commissioners have the power to summon witnesses and require them to give evidence on oath or solemn affirmation, and require the production of documents and things the Commissioners consider necessary to carry out a full investigation. Of interest, the Commission is making mental health services available to individuals who may need access to counselling or other services, including by establishing a mental health unit to ensure support is available. Additionally, Nova Scotia has a Victim Services Unit, for which costs related to the inquiry are shared between the province and Canada.
- The Government will respectfully refrain from further commenting on these matters outside of the Inquiry.
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