Bill Casey

Public Inquiry..... My Thoughts Although I have gained a bit of political experience over a 30 year period, I have never seen anything unfold quite like the decision to hold a Public Inquiry into the April shootings in Nova Scotia. From the outside looking in, it looked like the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing. It appeared that everyone was singing from different song sheets, and the songs changed quickly. However, in the end, the right decision w...Continue reading

A Missed Opportunity The decision by federal and provincial Ministers of Public Safety to hold an independent review into Canada’s worst shooting massacre is not only a disappointment to the families of the victims but it is also a significant missed opportunity. A public inquiry would provide the vital answers we need but could also be the beginning of a much-needed re-newel of the RCMP itself. After dealing with RCMP issues over a thirty year period, I am convince...d that the RCMP needs a change in direction. Over that time period, I regularly witnessed generous, respectful and courageous acts by front line RCMP officers, but at senior levels, something changes. It is clear that these senior RCMP officials do not consider themselves accountable to anyone; that they need not comply with laws passed by Parliament; and that they are invincible. The incredible decision to not hold a Public Inquiry into Canada’s worst shooting massacre cements all of those notions. The widespead call from the people of Nova Scotia is for a Public Inquiry into the events surrounding this massacre. Even during the announcement of the independent review, Minister Furey agreed that no one had asked for this "independent review. However, that statement is not accurate. On June 10, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said in an interview Absolutely there needs to be a review. The two Ministers of Public Safety, Hon Bill Blair and Hon Mark Furey, agreed with the stated preference of the RCMP for a review, and against the wishes of the majority of Nova Scotians calling for a Public Inquiry. Rightly or wrongly, the fact that both ministers are former police officers has generated suggestions of "closing ranks" and does nothing to instill confidence in this critical process. I respectfully add my voice to all of those Nova Scotians and other Canadians who are asking that both ministers reconsider this decision and come back with a plan for a Public Inquiry. Such a Public Inquiry could also be the start of that very much needed renewal process. Bill Casey Former Member of Parliament Cumberland Colchester

I just sent this email about the proposed sub-standard Emergency Communications system that the RCMP is proposing. I hope that they each stop and think about this and not just accept what the officials tell them. It is often wrong. 911 System Breakdown The breakdown in our 911 emergency communications systems today in the three Maritime provinces highlights the vulnerability that we have when Emergency Communications is not a priority. ... Ironically in previous discussions with senior RCMP officials, including the RCMP Commissioner and RCMP Deputy Commissioner, several NS elected representatives were told not to worry because technology now allows us to flip a switch and transfer all the calls to New Brunswick. Obviously, this was not true then and is not true now. Emergency Communications should be a number one priority in Nova Scotia and every possible step should be taken to ensure that it is a sustainable system and meets recognized international standards for geographic separation, redundancy, and continuity. The current RCMP emergency communications proposal is a sub-standard plan that does not meet even the primary parameters identified by leading emergency communications organizations. It puts all Nova Scotians at unnecessary risk and should be changed. Bill Casey Former Member of Parliament 902 397 1305

I just read an incredible article from the Halifax Examiner written by Paul Palango. The article outlines much of the time line of the Portapique shootings in... April. The story includes many details about this event that I was not aware of. The information leaves no doubt that there needs to be a full Public Inquiry if we are to learn from this horrific event. I am sure that senior RCMP officials and government officials would prefer to not have a public process. However, there are so many unanswered questions that only a Public Inquiry can provide the assurance that we will all learn what happened right in our own back yard. I strongly recommend that you read the Examiner artcle. You can find it here:

Care to Join A Nova Scotia RCMP Advisory Board? There is an RCMP Advisory Board in each Nova Scotia municipality which is policed by the RCMP. The board provides civilian governance on issues relating to law enforcement, maintaining law and order, and crime prevention in the municipality. According to the Nova Scotia Government website listed below, there are vacancies for these boards in several Nova Scotia municipalities, including several which were affected by the April ...shootings. These include Colchester County, Stewiacke, Pictou County, Parrsboro, Oxford, and Cumberland County. There are many other vacancies listed around the province as well. I am not sure that the list is up to date as it lists Parrsboro as a municipality. I have asked that this be clarified. The full list of vacancies in Nova Scotia can be found at : https://novascotia.ca/apps/abc/BoardProfile.aspx The boards provide civilian direction, organization, and policy required to maintain an adequate, effective, and efficient police department, while ensuring that community needs and values are reflected in policing priorities, objectives, goals, programs and strategies. If this interests you, I recommend that you visit the website where you can apply on line now. Local input and knowledge is important to help the RCMP do their jobs. https://novascotia.ca/apps/abc/BoardProfile.aspx Thanks, Bill