The Need for Testimony on Nova Scotia’s Failed Emergency Alert System

We are less than two weeks away from the start of the “public proceedings” portion of the Mass Casualty Commission, and there is still confusion and uncertainty as to what those proceedings will involve. This week, we have heard from a daughter of one of the victims, who still does not know whether she will be testifying, or whether her lawyer will be able to question witnesses. There are two lines of questioning or topics that should be covered through Ms. Dobson’s testimony. One is simply for us to hear about her mother. Ms. O’Brien had eight children and 12 grandchildren, and was said to be the glue that held this large family together. She was a VON nurse who that morning had also called a fellow nurse, offering to do some of her visits. She sounds like a kind and wonderful person. Having this kind of context on the victims gives the MCC proceedings an emotional weight that helps ensure all participants dedicate their best efforts and energy to finding appropriate answers. The second reason that it is important to hear from Ms. Dobson is that she (as well as Ms. Beaton’s husband, Nick) can provide context for the key question of why the Alert Ready system was not engaged throughout this active shooter situation. Ms. Dobson and Mr. Beaton have already described to members of the media how things would have unfolded much differently that morning had there been an alert sent out to members of the public on their phones, as is possible with the Alert Ready system. The failure to do so was identified immediately as an issue, and is considered a major failure of the response to the shootings. It is inconceivable that this would not be addressed by the MCC.