A mini revolt that included pushback by some Liberal MPs from Nova Scotia has forced the federal government to OK a public inquiry into the Nova Scotia massacre that claimed 22 lives in Nova Scotia.
The announcement comes amid mounting public pressure, including from a number of Liberal MPs who challenged their own government’s decision last week to participate in a less rigorous joint review with Nova Scotia.
Federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says in a statement today the government is responding to calls from families, survivors, advocates, and Nova Scotia members of Parliament for more transparency.
Earlier today, Nova Scotia Justice Minister Mark Furey said he would be in favour of a federal-provincial public inquiry if Ottawa agreed to go along.
Blair says the inquiry will be conducted under the authority of the federal Inquiries Act, with powers to summon witnesses and require them to provide evidence and produce documents.
The three people who had agreed to serve on the review panel announced last week will remain as inquiry commissioners: Michael MacDonald, a former chief justice of Nova Scotia, Anne McLellan, a former federal Liberal cabinet minister, and Leanne Fitch, the former chief of police in Fredericton.
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