The Nova Scotia government is studying the role of the RCMP in its territory

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RCMP block a road in Portapique during the April 2020 shooting in Nova Scotia. (Archive photo)

The Canadian Press

The Nova Scotia government has launched a study into its policing services six months after a public inquiry raised widespread criticism of the performance of the RCMP in the province.

The review announced Friday by Justice Minister Brad Johns is the government's response to a recommendation from the inquiry into the April 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, which cost life for 22 people.

The inquiry called for the creation of a council to make recommendations on the future structure of services of policing that could be implemented before the agreement between the province and the RCMP expires in 2032.

Mr Johns said in a press release that the Government would appoint a police review advisory committee and an external consultant and they would work together to produce a report which will be published in 2025.

He said the process would potentially recommend changes to how policing is delivered. Ministry spokesperson Andrew Preeper said the consultant would present the recommendations.

The committee will be co-chaired by Clare MacLellan, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, and Hayley Crichton, Director of Safety and Security public at the Ministry of Justice. Members of the community and police will be named at a later date.

Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, commanding officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, said in an email that the force welcomes the review. We look forward to working with our provincial, municipal and community partners, he said.

During the public inquiry, three commissioners examined how a man with a history of domestic violence managed to create a replica of a police vehicle, arm himself with semi-automatic rifles and going on a 13-hour rampage in several locations across the province.

The March 30 report raised widespread criticism of the performance of the RCMP, including its confused reaction to the shooter during the attacks as well as the RCMP's difficult relationship with municipal police forces.

On Friday, the RCMP posted its responses to two other recommendations from the investigation on its website.

The investigation had asked the RCMP to commission a review of its initial critical incident response training for front-line supervisors from an external expert.

The RCMP says it is analyzing the report's findings and recommendations and developing a work plan to address gaps identified in the training of officers who oversee responses to events like the mass shooting.

The website indicates that the RCMP has established an action plan […] with the aim of promoting a healthy management culture, to create a lasting experience for employees during their tenure with the RCMP and to better equip officers and managers to develop as senior leaders within the RCMP.