By Canadian Press

Relatives, legal experts say N.S. should begin work on inquiry into mass killing

Apr 27, 2020 | 10:36 AM

HALIFAX — Nova Scotians struggling with the devastating aftermath of a mass shooting are looking for a firm commitment from the province’s leaders to set up a public inquiry to help answer a long list of unanswered questions.

Nick Beaton, the husband of a continuing care assistant who was killed on her way to work, said today an inquiry is needed to delve into a number of issues, including the way the RCMP communicates with the public during a mass shooting.

Beaton says that had there been an emergency alert issued after the shooter left the Portapique area, his wife Kristen Beaton could have remained at home and survived the rampage.

Archie Kaiser, a professor at the Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, says Premier Stephen McNeil should make a clear promise that a public inquiry will be held and have officials begin the groundwork.

He says the province has been traumatized by the 22 deaths, and needs to know that the widest possible investigation is underway.

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McNeil has said so far that he’s asked attorney general Mark Furey to look into the possibility of an inquiry.

Furey wasn’t immediately available for comment on Monday.

The RCMP has stated that 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, a Dartmouth denturist, began his rampage of killing people and burning homes after assaulting his girlfriend on Saturday evening.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2020

The Canadian Press