NDP, PC MLAs call for provincial public inquiry into Portapique massacre
“
. . .
The Dartmouth South MLA said the premier can only control what happens provincially, so he should start an inquiry here. She said the open letter from 30 law professors calling for such an inquiry shows Nova Scotia can and should hold an inquiry.
‘If you listen to the constitutional lawyers, whose job it is to define jurisdiction, they disagree [with the premier],’ Chender said. She added the inquiry doesn't need to happen right away, but the premier should now make it clear he will hold one.
. . .
Chender said it seemed neither level of government wanted to take the lead. Many of the findings would be implemented provincially, she said. ‘I think law enforcement is one aspect and I think gender-based violence is another,’ she said.
. . .
Chender said a public inquiry would let people who heard ‘troubling’ things from the killer's house, but did not act, speak out. ‘I do think we have a moral imperative [to conduct an inquiry],’ she said.”