By Canadian Press

Victims’ relatives feel ‘deep discouragement’ with Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry

Feb 15, 2022 | 6:57 AM

HALIFAX — The public inquiry investigating the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia that claimed 22 lives is facing intense criticism from victims’ relatives one week before the proceedings are to begin.

The law firm that represents most of the family members has issued a statement saying its clients are worried their role in the inquiry will be “unduly reduced, if not actively restricted.”

Patterson Law, based in Truro, N.S., says there is a feeling of “deep discouragement” with the inquiry because it has been delayed and has offered limited information about the role witnesses will play in the proceedings, which are scheduled to start next Tuesday.

As well, the law firm says it is worried the fact-finding portion of the inquiry will be truncated as a result of the delays, which means evidence before the inquiry may not be fully explored.

The inquiry’s mandate requires it to file a final report by Nov. 1.

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The law firm has submitted eight questions to inquiry counsel, many of them focused on the role of witnesses and how they will be asked to give evidence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2020.

The Canadian Press