(Halifax) Public confidence in the public inquiry into the killings nearly two years ago in Nova Scotia will be undermined if RCMP officers are not compelled to testify there, experts say.
Posted at 10:44 a.m.
The union representing RCMP officers, the National Police Federation, said it hopes that the 18 police officers who intervened in this killings which left 22 dead in April 2020 do not testify since they run the risk of being at risk. “newly traumatized”.
Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Manitoba, commissioners will have to balance the well-being of witnesses with the public’s right to know what happened.
“The police testimonies are essential to have a complete picture of what happened to ensure that this never happens again,” he said. It is really important to restore public confidence. The RCMP must be compelled to provide testimony. »
The Pr Schneider does not accept the Federation’s suggestion that previous unsworn statements should suffice for the investigation.
One would assume that the RCMP wants to hide something. Maybe that’s what she wants. We do not know.
Brandon University sociology professor Christopher Schneider
Tamara Cherry, a communications specialist who works with trauma victims and the media, said she understands why some survivors of the shooting and relatives of victims may believe the RCMP is trying to hide something. According to her, the police should testify, but they must be listened to taking into account the possible trauma. To achieve this, the key is careful preparation.
“You have to have thoughtful conversations every step of the way,” says Ms.me Cherry, recalling that an RCMP officer was among the killer’s victims. You have to think about every action, every decision, about potentially dangerous issues for anyone in the room. »
She wants all lawyers involved in the commission of inquiry to be well trained in procedures to avoid trauma, she adds.
“We will not be able to raise this argument if the commission makes sure in advance that all the questions will be asked in an appropriate way. »
For example, it can be ensured that the questions will not trigger any trauma to the witnesses. In addition, help can be provided for them.
According to Wayne MacKay, professor emeritus of Dalhousie University, in Nova Scotia, it will be necessary to ensure not to trigger trauma to the police.
“Surely there are creative and innovative ways, perhaps more traditional ways, to ensure that witnesses will not be affected during questioning and cross-examination,” he says.
Agreeing not to ask a witness to appear can undermine public confidence in the commission of inquiry.
The Pr MacKay recalls that the RCMP’s efforts to try to stop the killing are at the heart of the commission.
“There’s no way to talk about this horrible subject without causing discomfort in a wide variety of people,” he said.
The professor wants the commission to subpoena officers to appear if the RCMP tries to prevent testimony. And he also stresses the importance of allowing lawyers for the families of the victims to cross-examine them.
“It’s the best way to get the truth, launches the Pr MacKay, saying the rumors and conspiracy machines are running at full speed after the first 15 months of investigation activity which has been held behind closed doors so far.
“Having unverified testimonies casts a shadow that the commission could not escape. »