‘Families need to be near the centre of this’: Premier defends criticism of mass shooting inquiry

Premier Tim Houston had issued a statement saying he’s heard that family members have expressed frustration about the structure of the inquiry

CITYnews halifax \ Chris Halef

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Nova Scotia’s premier is defending comments he made earlier this week, criticizing the commissioners leading the inquiry into 2020’s mass shooting.

Earlier this week, Premier Tim Houston issued a statement prior to the start of public hearings, saying he’s heard that family members have expressed frustration about the structure of the inquiry, adding they felt “left in the dark.”

He then called on members of the commission to meet with families and their lawyers to listen to their concerns and provide them with a plan that “gives them confidence” in the process.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Houston clarified his comments, saying his intent was to ensure the concerns of family members are addressed.

“We should never lose sight of the purpose of this inquiry and we should never lose sight of the need to hold the families close at the centre of this,” he said. “There’s time to address concerns and I hope they are, and it seems they may be, some of them at least.”

Houston said he hasn’t been contacted by the commission directly, but has heard there is some movement on the issue of cross-examination.

He goes on to say he understands this is an independent inquiry, but adds when concerns are raised by family members, they should be taken seriously.

“If the family members lose confidence in the process, how can the public have confidence in the process?” said Houston.

The inquiry has been tasked with determining what happened April 18-19, 2020 when a gunman killed 22 people and to make recommendations to improve public safety.