Truro viewing site streaming hearings
“We will continue to speak with community members about whether it’s needed and whether it’s useful as we can open our space to the public.”
Emily Hill Senior commission counsel
TRURO — Widened to three conference rooms at the Inn on Prince in Truro is a public community viewing site to watch the Mass Casualty Commission hearings.
On Day 1, the room was empty of life except for commission staff and security, with perfectly placed conference tables and chairs, with water and glasses at the ready while the live proceedings projected onto the screen. Plenty of individually wrapped snacks and refreshments were available to grab along the wall.
“The purpose of the community viewing site in Truro is available to provide an accessible space for members of the community to watch the live webcast of the proceedings,” read an email statement from the commission’s media line. “On-site, there will be mental health supports and a real-time webcast of the proceedings.”
However, it was reported that there was some attendance on Day 2, and snow the following Monday likely affected turnout. Time will tell if more people use the place as proceedings go on or more become aware of it. Despite the low turnout, there are several people registered.
“We’ve had to be very flexible through this process in terms of knowing where we will be able to meet and gather, and we know that we’re going to have to continue to be flexible,” said senior commission counsel Emily Hill during a Q & A with media. “We will continue to speak with community members about whether it’s needed and whether it’s useful as we can open our space to the public. And invite people to be present either in Halifax are tomorrow, we will continue to do that.”
When asked whether smaller sites within the communities at places such as halls were considered, Hill said they “were in conversation with community leaders” about what would best meet their needs.
“And those conversations continue,” said Hill. “So if that is a need that we hear about and need to need to meet, we can certainly we can certainly set that up.”
Those who wish to attend need to fill out an online registration form that currently includes uploading proof of vaccination, indicating which days they plan to attend and any dietary or accommodation needs.
Those who wish to enter can do so via the back parking lot (doors open at 8 a.m.). After turning left, guests will be greeted by registration. The live stream starts at 9:30 a.m.
Media are not permitted to approach attendees or take pictures inside the room.
The hearing webcasts stream online at masscasualty commision.ca. They can also be listened to live by calling 1-877-385-4099 (toll-free), followed by code 1742076, then the # sign.
A request to the commission’s media line for an interview about the Truro viewing site was not accepted.