Committee tracking N.S. mass shooting recommendations releases third and final report

Halifax - The committee tasked with monitoring government and police progress on recommendations from the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting inquiry has released its final report. Chair Myra Freeman says while significant progress has been made, much more work remains in addressing gender-based violence, police reform and community safety.

The committee of inquiry, which investigated the worst mass shooting in modern Canadian history that claimed 22 lives in 2020, was given three years to monitor efforts by the RCMP and the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia. Progress was made in improving public alert systems, emergency preparedness and police cooperation. However, Freeman acknowledges issues like gender-based violence, institutional trust and broader social and economic inequities will require ongoing efforts.

Freeman concedes some committee members believe the mandate should be extended, but acknowledges the three-year term was meant to be a starting point. She urges continued accountability and action from governments and the RCMP to ensure meaningful societal change. Experts say the work must not end with the committee, noting little progress appears to have been made for survivors of gender-based violence.