Hearing into Portapique mass killings delayed until late January

HALIFAX — The commission of inquiry investigating the Portapique, N.S. mass killing is delaying hearings first scheduled for October until late January.

In an Oct. 13 release, the commission said the hearings initially scheduled for Oct. 26 in Halifax are now set to begin Jan. 25 and run until March 3.

The delay is due to the team needing more time to review documents and interview witnesses in preparation for the hearing. The commission said new witnesses continue to come forward to be interviewed. The new schedule will give participants in the first phase more time to review the evidence and gather information to provide more input.

“The contribution of all those who have come forward is greatly appreciated,” said investigations director Barbara McLean.

“We encourage anyone with any information to get in touch with us. There is no fact too small. We are following up and adding new information and details as the process continues.”

The commission will continue with plans to file an interim report in May, with a final report scheduled for November 2022.

Anyone with information on the April 18-19, 2020 Portapique killings is encouraged to contact the commission at info@MassCasualtyCommission. call 902-407-7532 or 1-833-635-2501.

Former Pictou County resident Alanna Jenkins and her partner were among the 22 people killed.