The decision to hold a review into the mass shootings in April instead of a public inquiry has many Nova Scotians asking why.
On Monday, family members of victims, supporters and politicians rallied outside the Bridgewater offices of provincial Justice Minister Mark Furey, in part to put pressure on the government to reverse the decision and order a full public inquiry.
PC Leader Tim Houston, who joined the rally, says that the decision makes Nova Scotians feel like something is being hidden.
“Minister Furey and Premier McNeil said that it was taking time to get the right process, they said we want to make sure we have a process that can lead to meaningful change, and then they do this.”
Houston says he can’t think of a rational explanation as to why.
“This is not what anyone expected, this is not what anyone wants.”
He says he has talked to many of the victim’s family members, who have been calling for a public inquiry since the beginning as a way to answer the many questions they have.
“When questions go unanswered, there is obviously lots of speculation and so this is a time when the government needs to show some compassion and understanding for the emotions of families and the law enforcement personnel that were involved,” he said.
“As Nova Scotians we need a full public inquiry that is open and transparent, this is the process that can lead to learning the lessons that need to be learned, and hopefully it’s a positive change.”
Houston says that Premier McNeil knows what the right thing to do is, citing his reaction to the NDP’s 2013 decision to order a review for the victims of the Home for Coloured Children.
“He was very vocal, saying that victims wanted a public inquiry, the community and the province wanted a public inquiry, and that the NDP government failed them and took the easy way out,” he said.
“Those were Stephen McNeil’s own words. I hope he realizes this is no time to take the easy way out.”
Houston is currently touring the South Shore, with plans to stop in Lunenburg today.
Minister Furey issued a statement this afternoon saying that he has heard from victim’s family members and Nova Scotians that they do not support a review.
He continued, saying that if federal MP’s support a public inquiry they should take it up with the federal minister and their colleagues.
“If the federal government agrees to a joint public inquiry where federal agencies including the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, Criminal Intelligence Services Canada, Canadian Firearms Registry and the Public Alert Ready System will participate and offer testimony, I will support that and so will our government,” he said.
