2020 is becoming a year we will not forget and will have several entries in the history books, causing some to think, "How did they ever pull through" all those obstacles. The answer is simple, "We are Nova Scotians, and we are Strong".

To recap a few obstacles, first there was Covid-19 pandemic, which at first didn’t seem to be much to worry about, but within six weeks, by mid-April, commenced to see how it was devastating the economy, and causing us to stay inside, scared to even open the front door; schools were closed and thousands had lost their jobs, temporarily with a large number to be lost forever.

Then on April 18-19, Canada’s largest mass murder started in Portapique, ending 12 hours later in Enfield with the loss of 22 lives. Since then there has not been many positive events. Compared to the USA, Premier McNeil and Dr. Strang along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gained popularity for the daily updates and how they delivered the "cold-hard facts" without sugar-coating.

The joint review announced on July 23 by Attorney General, Mark Furey and federal Minister of Public Safety, Bill Blair is not sitting well with what appears to be a majority of people outside the two reigning governments. Many people interviewed and quoted in various media reports since the announcement indicate they will not stop until a public inquiry is announced.

Almost immediately, representative from some victim families slammed the announcement indicating they have consistently requested a public review and had not told Minister Furey, they wanted protection and expediency. Families have been joined by neighbours, fellow Nova Scotians and outspoken colleagues from across Canada. Several MP’s and upwards of 40 Senators had written letters requesting the two governments call a "public inquiry".

The review - to be conducted by a three-person panel will operate independent of government involving a broad investigative analysis of the April 18-19 events. Three members have been jointly appointed to the panel to conduct the review and report back on its findings and recommendations. The panel members are the Honourable J. Michael MacDonald (chair), the Honourable A. Anne McLellan and Ms. Leanne J. Fitch. They will consider the causes, context and circumstances that led to the shootings, the response of police and steps taken to inform, support and engage victims, families and affected citizens.

To date no one had questioned the qualifications of the panel members, but are upset the information will not be part of public hearings; there is no opportunity for subpoena’s be served and people compelled to testify under oath.

Even before the announcement had concluded, some family members and supporters, were saying the "fight has just begun". They indicated plans will be formulated and they will ask for public support to pressure the decision be changed to a public format, so all evidence is readily available to the public.

From a scan of various media on Friday and Saturday, opposition to a review and drive for a public inquiry seems to be gaining traction.

The review will address a variety of issues relating to the perpetrator, police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as victims and families. Topics to be reviewed include: contributing and contextual factors including the involvement of gender-based and intimate-partner violence; the perpetrator's access to firearms; police response and police communications with the public, victims, their families, the Alert Ready Program and other law enforcement agencies.

Ministers Furey and Blair committed all agencies and organizations under their respective jurisdiction and authority will participate fully in this review, ensuring the panel has what it needs to fulfill its mandate. These include, but are not limited to, the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office, the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner's Office, all municipal police forces in Nova Scotia, the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canada Firearms Program, the Criminal Intelligence Service and the national Alert Ready Program.

One additional fact was both the interim and final report outlining findings and recommendations will be made public.

Additional resources: Joint federal-provincial news release:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2020/07/governments-of-canada-and-nova-scotia-announce-joint-review-of-nova-scotia-tragedy.html

Backgrounder: Independent Review Panel for April Tragedy: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2020/07/independent-review-panel-for-april-tragedy.html

Independent Review Terms of Reference: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/plcng/2020-nsir-tor-en.aspx

The Cliffs of Fundy GeoPark finally received UNESCO approval as a as a member of the Canadian Geoparks Network on July 19^th. The announcement which was delayed by approximately five months due to CoVid-19 is a welcome boost to the future economy of Colchester and Cumberland Counties.

The area covered by the designation will be from Apple River in Cumberland down the shore to outer edges of Truro to include the former Palliser site which was purchased by Colchester and is now under development at the Fundy Discovery Centre.

Geoparks are sites recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, for their exceptional geological heritage. Being designated a Geopark means having the ability to mobilize local stakeholders to preserve unique geological sites and educate visitors about them. Geoparks also play a leading role in fostering high quality, sustainable tourism and contributing to the vitality of local economies.

As inhabitants of the coasts of the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark for more than 11,000 years, the Mi’kmaq were the area’s first geologists. With more than 40 geosites across 125 km, visitors can discover the Earth’s incredible natural history, the world’s highest tides, Canada’s oldest dinosaur fossils, and magnificent landscapes steeped in Mi’kmaq legends, tales and culture, Acadian traditions, and a dynamic arts and food culture.