NSNDP

December 28th, 2017

Statement by NDP Justice spokesperson Claudia Chender on Fatality Inquiry Recommendations

HALIFAX – NDP Spokesperson for Justice Claudia Chender made the following statement in response to recommendations made today by Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Examiner that there be an inquiry into the deaths of Lionel Desmond and his family under the Fatality Investigations Act:

“We support the call for a fatality inquiry into the deaths of Lionel Desmond and his family and are glad to hear that Minister Furey will act on Dr. Bowes’ recommendations in the new year.

An inquiry will hopefully lead to more answers about what happened Jan 3rd last year and help us understand how to prevent similar situations in the future. Our thoughts are with the family and community connected with this case as they continue to go through this process to find answers.

It is important that we, as a province, put adequate and accessible services in place for everyone dealing with mental health issues, as well as proper funding to ensure that care is available when needed.”

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