Retired Appeals Court Justice Linda Lee Oland appointed Founding Chair for monitoring MCC reccomendations

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

Retired appeals court justice Linda Lee Oland has been appointed as the Founding Chair of the committee responsible for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of recommendations from the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission. The announcement was made jointly on Wednesday by Brad Johns, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Nova Scotia, and Marco Mendicino, federal Minister of Public Safety, on May 31.

“I am honoured to be asked to play a role in helping ensure transparency and accountability in response to the recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report. This is extremely important work that will impact the safety and security of Canadians and ensure those most affected by these events see progress being made.” said former Justice Oland

Oland brings extensive experience in dealing with complex issues and various stakeholders to the position after a long career in the legal field. Her role as the Founding Chair will span one year, and she will assist the government in identifying a long-term chairperson.

“I am pleased to welcome former justice Oland to this role. This is an important next step as our governments work together and with the community to make continued progress on the recommendations from the final report,” said Minister Johns. “As the Founding Chair begins her work, I am confident that her leadership and work with governments and those most affected will encourage and support accountability.”

“We continue to stand in solidarity with the families and communities in Portapique and Truro. The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are committed to working together to ensure such a senseless tragedy never happens again. We are confident that Ms. Oland, who is a respected former jurist and a Nova Scotian, will play a vital leadership role in addressing the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission and supporting the reforms to the RCMP that are necessary to restore trust in the community.” said Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

Oland will assume her responsibilities in mid-June and will be supported by a secretariat providing administrative and operational support. Both levels of government say they will work closely with her to finalize the funding and terms of reference for the monitoring body. The primary objective of this body is to monitor and report on the progress made by Canada and Nova Scotia in response to the recommendations outlined in the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission.