N.S. premier defends probe into shooting

HALIFAX— Premier Stephen McNeil says if panellists leading a review into Nova Scotia’s recent mass shooting need more powers, he expects they will request them from his government.

The Liberal leader responded Friday to criticism from families, opposition parties, legal scholars and feminist groups about the format chosen for the probe into the rampage that resulted in the deaths of 22 people last April18-19 in central and northern Nova Scotia.

Critics say Ottawa and the province should have ordered a public inquiry composed of open hearings and with the power to compel testimony.

Sandra McCulloch, a lawyer who represents families of 21 victims in a lawsuit against the RCMP, has said the review process announced Thursday is “wholly insufficient to meet the objectives of providing full and transparent answers to the families and the public.”

McNeil said in June he believed the probe needed the power to compel witnesses to testify under oath. But now he supports the current process, which lacks this feature.

He told reporters Friday he believes the review format will be sufficient and if necessary, the panellists can ask his government for assistance.

The panel will be led by a former chief justice of Nova Scotia, Michael MacDonald, who will be joined by former federal Liberal cabinet minister Anne McLellan, and Leanne Fitch, the former chief of police in Fredericton.