Inquiry investigation team in Portapique, N.S.
Members of the Mass Casualty Commission team are visiting the small Nova Scotia community where last year's April tragedy began as part of its fact-finding work.
The Commission issued a community notice on its website regarding its visit to Portapique at the end of May. The notice says members of several teams with the Commission, including the investigations, legal, research, and community engagement teams are part of the group.
"We plan to spend time walking around the roads that make up the Portapique community," the Commission writes. "Some members of the team may be there most of the day, depending on their role."
The site visit began at 9 a.m.
“Today, the focus is on the work that Nova Scotians expect us to be doing,” said Barbara McLean, Investigations Director with the Commission.
“It’s important for those most impacted, it’s important to Nova Scotians, to see we’re in the community, advancing the work of the Commission. We recognize these tragedies…happened in several communities,” said McLean.
“I would like to thank the residents of Portapique very much for allowing us to be in their space, to do our work.”
Tom Taggart, the municipal councillor for District 10 in Colchester County, which includes Portapique, says he has been helping the Commission liaise with members of the community.
“I think that they understand the trauma that's sometimes created when strangers arrive in their community,” said Taggart.
Taggart said he and residents of the area are glad to see the Commission's experts on the ground doing their work.
He has high expectations for the inquiry when it comes to bringing Nova Scotians the answers they’ve been seeking.
“I want to hold their feet to the fire,” he said. “I have questions I want them to answer.”
The Commission says staff with the joint federal/provincial body are considered essential workers under COVID-19 public health restrictions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.