Nova Scotia committed to mass shooting recommendations, progress report says
The committee overseeing the response to the inquiry into the tragic 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia has recently released its first annual progress report. However, the report does not include an assessment of the actions taken by the RCMP in response to the inquiry.
Myra Freeman, who leads the independent progress monitoring committee, expressed optimism during a news conference, commending the federal and Nova Scotia governments for their dedication to addressing the inquiry’s 130 recommendations. She noted that while the RCMP’s progress has not yet been formally evaluated, a meeting with the national police force is scheduled for next month.
Freeman lauded the Mounties for establishing an online “progress hub” to track their response to the Mass Casualty Commission inquiry. The goal of this hub is to provide transparency to the public and showcase the RCMP’s commitment to implementing necessary changes.
The inquiry into the mass shooting revealed harrowing details of the killer’s rampage, which began in Portapique, Nova Scotia, on April 18, 2020. Disguised as a Mountie and driving a vehicle resembling an RCMP cruiser, Gabriel Wortman senselessly took the lives of 22 individuals, including a pregnant woman and an RCMP officer.
The inquiry’s report called into question the RCMP’s handling of the situation and recommended a reevaluation of the force’s role in Canadian policing. It criticized the Mounties for overlooking warning signs about the killer and for their disorganized response to the shootings, which resulted in delayed public alerts.
To ensure the implementation of the inquiry’s recommendations, the progress monitoring committee was established in 2023 by the provincial and federal governments. The latest report, spanning 29 pages, focuses on key areas such as gender-based violence, access to firearms, and the reform of Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team. It addresses 24 of the inquiry’s recommendations, emphasizing the ongoing importance of public safety measures.
Freeman, who assumed the role of chairwoman in May 2024, stressed that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully address the inquiry’s findings and ensure the safety of all Canadians. The committee remains dedicated to overseeing the implementation of necessary changes and holding accountable those responsible for upholding public safety standards.
