With my work representing the Personal Representative to the late Cpl. Lionel Desmond in the Desmond Fatality Inquiry coming to an end, I have an announcement on my next project.
The Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission, which will examine the tragic events of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique and other locations throughout Central Nova Scotia, is set to begin hearings on October 26, 2021, and conclude by November 2022. This is to be an independent public inquiry into the events, and is designed to let us know what happened, and make recommendations for changes wherever that may be appropriate.
As one of the very few active private practice lawyers in Nova Scotia with any experience in an Inquiry setting, I will use the skills and insight I have acquired over 15 years as a leading inquiry, litigation, and criminal defense lawyer in Nova Scotia to provide insider coverage and legal analysis for those following the Mass Casualty Commission. I have been following the developments out of the tragedy since the beginning, and already see many areas that would benefit from the scrutiny that can be provided by an Inquiry process.
I will watch the Inquiry proceedings and provide live analysis, along with short daily articles and video summaries of the proceedings. I will talk about the legal strategies of the various Parties, the relevance and quality of the evidence that is presented, the thinking that goes into specific lines of questioning, any political angles behind the scenes, and the media coverage of the proceedings.
I also happen to know many of the lawyers and police officers involved in the case, and so can provide those personal insights to the public as well.
My goal is to provide regular citizens with insight into what is really happening in the Inquiry and why it might matter to them. This is designed to be a public service, and so most of my content will be available to anyone free of charge. I will have an option for those who would enjoy some extra content, or else just feel like supporting the project, to make donations or become a subscriber.
As October 26th approaches, I will post some content to set some context for the inquiry, or as any announcements are made by the Commission. Regular posts will start as the opening of the Inquiry approaches. I hope that people will find this of use, and I look forward to your feedback throughout.