Nova Scotia Mounties should be compelled to testify at mass shooting inquiry: experts
Global News
Last week, the commission of inquiry came under intense scrutiny when the RCMP's union argued the 18 officers would be "re-traumatized" if they are forced to relive the rampage.
Public trust in the inquiry investigating the mass shooting in Nova Scotia almost two years ago would be undermined if the RCMP officers involved are not compelled to testify, legal experts say.
Last week, the commission of inquiry came under intense scrutiny when the RCMP’s union argued the 18 officers would be “re-traumatized” if they are forced to relive April 18-19, 2020, when a man disguised as a Mountie fatally shot 22 people during a 13-hour rampage.
Police officers routinely give evidence under oath at trials and public inquiries, even when the subject matter is profoundly disturbing and graphic. But the federal-provincial inquiry in Halifax, which started hearings last month, has adopted a novel, “trauma-informed” approach.
Last Thursday, federal lawyer Lori Ward — who represents the RCMP — said the inquiry had entered a “brave new world,” where the traditional trial-style approach had to make way for a new approach of gathering evidence.
The RCMP’s union — the National Police Federation — argued that the Mounties in question have already provided detailed statements to police and the commission, which it said should be good enough for the inquiry.
Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Manitoba, said the inquiry must be careful not to cause more trauma, given the horrific nature of Canada’s worst mass shooting. But that priority must be balanced with the public’s right to know what happened.
“The officers’ testimony is integral to having a complete picture of what happened so that we … can make sure that this never happens again,” said Schneider, author of the book “Policing and Social Media.”
“That’s really important to restore public confidence and trust … The RCMP should be compelled to provide testimony.”
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