Founding Chair Named to Support Governments’ Work on Mass Casualty Commission Recommendations

The provincial and federal governments have appointed a Founding Chair of the committee that will monitor and report on the implementation of the recommendations from the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission.

Brad Johns, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Nova Scotia, and Marco Mendicino, federal Minister of Public Safety, announced today, May 31, that retired appeals court justice Linda Lee Oland will assume the role. The Founding Chair will play a key role in establishing the Progress Monitoring Committee.

Former justice Oland is a distinguished member of the legal profession with a record of pioneering service to the community. Her experience dealing with complex issues and multiple stakeholders will help ensure the monitoring body fulfills its goal of reporting on progress and creating accountability. She will serve in the new position for one year and assist governments in identifying a long-term chair.

“I am pleased to welcome former justice Oland to this role. This is an important next step as our governments work together and with community to make continued progress on the recommendations from the final report,” said Minister Johns. “As the Founding Chair begins her work, I am confident that her leadership and work with governments and those who have been most affected will encourage and support accountability.”

Former justice Oland will start work in mid-June, with a secretariat that will provide administrative and operational support. Governments will work closely with her to finalize the funding and terms of reference to establish the monitoring body. The body will monitor and report on the steps Canada and Nova Scotia take to respond to the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report.

Quotes:

“We continue to stand in solidarity with the families and communities in Portapique and Truro. The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are committed to working together to ensure such a senseless tragedy never happens again. We are confident that Ms. Oland, who is a respected former jurist and a Nova Scotian, will play a vital leadership role in addressing the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission and supporting the reforms to the RCMP that are necessary to restore trust in the community.”

– Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“I am honoured to be asked to play a role in helping ensure transparency and accountability in the response to the recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report. This is extremely important work that will impact the safety and security of Canadians and ensure those most affected by these events see progress being made.”

– former justice Linda Lee Oland

Quick Facts:

• the next deadline in Recommendation I.1 of the final report regarding implementation is: “By July 31, 2023, the Founding Chair, in consultation with representatives of organizations with responsibility mandated by this Report’s recommendations and other interested individuals and organizations, should present the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia with a proposed list of members and budget for the Implementation and Mutual Accountability Body.”

Additional Resources:

Turning the Tide Together – Final report of the Mass Casualty Commission, Volume 6, Implementation: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/files/documents/Turning-the-Tide-Together-Volume-6-Implementation.pdf