The Desmond Inquiry Report - Recommendations, Shortcomings, and Government Reactions

This week saw the release of the long-awaited Desmond Inquiry report. As one of the lawyers involved in the inquiry, I provide my perspective on the final report of Judge Paul Scovil. I discuss the four main themes of the recommendations, the transition from military to civilian life, intimate partner violence, health services for African Nova Scotians, and gaps in firearms licensing. I discuss the impact of the highly unusual decision to replace Judge Warren Zimmer after the hearings had been completed, and while he was in the midst writing his final report. There was a missed opportunity to draw attention to PTSD with dissociative episodes. There was considerable evidence that Cpl. Desmond had dissociative episodes, and that he may have been in the midst of one at the time of the tragic deaths. Finally, I gauge the reactions from the provincial and federal governments, and assess the likelihood that the recommendations will be implemented.