The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced the establishment of the Inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Provincial legislation provides for a number of mechanisms to initiate a public inquiry. Section 16 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2006 enables an inquiry into a matter considered to be of public concern. This inquiry will be policy focused rather than investigative in nature. It will examine the organization and operations of the ground search and rescue system in the province with a final report making recommendations on how to improve the system.
Led by former Provincial Court Judge James Igloliorte, the inquiry will examine the adequacy of the existing system and identify deficiencies that need to be addressed. Informal hearings are proposed as the primary mechanism of the inquiry, with one hearing dedicated solely to the search for Burton Winters. Research studies, interviews, surveys, and written submissions will also be utilized.
More information on the nature, scope and mechanisms of the inquiry can be found in the backgrounder below.
A final report is anticipated to be delivered to government this summer.
Quotes
“Search and rescue is as important today as it was in 2012, and will remain an issue of provincial importance many years from now. There is no doubt this day has been a long time coming but as we formally establish the inquiry, I hope all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians consider participating in a process that will help save lives.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“I am honoured to be appointed as Commissioner of the inquiry into ground search and rescue. I hope that I can honour Burton Winters’ memory by identifying steps that can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, be it on the coast of Labrador or anywhere in the province.”
James Igloliorte
Former Provincial Court Judge
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Learn more
Judge Igloliorte to Commence Work on Search and Rescue Inquiry
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Media contact
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Nature, Scope and Mechanisms for the Inquiry Respecting Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in Newfoundland and Labrador
The mechanisms by which the inquiry shall be conducted may include:
- Informal hearings;
- Research studies;
- Interviews and surveys; and
- Written submissions.
The commissioner shall take into account in conducting the inquiry that the inquiry process is, to the extent possible, intended to:
- Be trauma-informed and respect the persons, families and communities concerned;
- Be culturally appropriate; and
- Consider the risks of traditional activities engaged by Indigenous people on the land.
The commissioner shall prepare a final report which shall review the organization and operation of ground search and rescue in the province including air support for ground search and rescue; and make recommendations that the commissioner considers necessary and advisable related to ground search and rescue in the province.
In preparing the final report, the commissioner may consider information gathered during the informal hearings; written and oral submissions; research conducted by the commissioner and persons retained by the commissioner; and other information the commissioner considers necessary. The final report will not make conclusions or recommendations regarding civil or criminal responsibility of any person or organization; or make a finding of misconducted against a person or organization.