NDP Statement on the final report from the Mass Casualty Commission

Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

“We commend the Mass Casualty Commission for its thorough and comprehensive investigation.

We understand that today is a hard day for many families and communities in Nova Scotia.

The loss of your loved ones to such senseless violence is incomprehensible. We offer you our heartfelt condolences and a firm commitment to continue pushing for meaningful police reforms so that no one else has to endure what you have lived through.

The report confirms what many Nova Scotians already suspected: that the RCMP failed to prevent or contain the gunman's rampage, and that their response was inadequate and disorganized. We must learn from these failures and take action to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

It’s clear that gender-based violence is not treated with the seriousness it deserves. It’s imperative that police change the way they respond to reports of gender-based violence if women’s lives are going to be saved.

The report highlights the urgent need for stronger gun control measures, as well as better tracking and reporting of assault weapons. We urge the federal government to implement these recommendations without delay.

The report also underscores the systemic inequalities and barriers that marginalized communities face in accessing mental health services and support. The government must work to address these gaps and ensure that everyone has access to timely and culturally appropriate mental health care.

Today’s report is also a reminder that the federal government has still not yet implemented concrete recommendations from the Public Safety committee for much-needed police reform. Failure to implement these recommendations has dire consequences for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people who continue to face disproportionate violence. The culture of systemic racism within the RCMP will never be addressed until the government implements these reforms and appoints a commissioner who is committed to real change.

We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims, who have endured unimaginable pain and grief. We will continue to push for accountability and justice, and to support their efforts to heal and rebuild their lives.”