MPs look into alleged political interference in N.S. shooting probe

Former public safety minister Bill Blair says the government chose the May 1, 2020, date to announce its ban of 1,500 assault-style weapons after 22 people were murdered in Nova Scotia less than two weeks before.

Blair says the terrible events of the Nova Scotia shooting spree were “highly motivating” to him in moving forward on the Liberal government’s promise to outlaw the weapons, but he adds that the ban was in the works for months.

Blair and the department’s deputy minister, Rob Stewart, are being questioned by MPs this morning about whether there was government meddling in the investigation into the Nova Scotia shooting spree.

The House of Commons public safety committee is looking into allegations that RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki promised Blair and the Prime Minister’s Office that police would release information about the type of weapons used in the attacks.

Supt. Darren Campbell, who was in charge of the investigation, wrote in his notes that Lucki told Nova Scotia officials this was tied to pending gun control legislation.

Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have adamantly denied there was any political interference, and Lucki has repeatedly said she did not feel any pressure from federal officials.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2022.

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