The families of the victims in last weekend’s shootings will not be able to grieve in a “normal” way.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health protocols in place, only a limited number of people will be allowed to gather.
Premier Stephen MacNeil echoed what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this week: we have to mourn differently these days.
“Part of the grieving process is the ability to mourn as a family with friends and community,” he stated. “It’s a heavy ask, to be honest with you. To ask these families who have been hit with such a devastating trauma to now work with Public Health to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread and ask them to work with us to find a unique way to mourn their loved one.”
Due to the rules in place, many family and friends of the victims can’t hold a public vigil and the RCMP are not able to hold a regimental funeral procession to honour Const. Heidi Stevenson.
‘Meantime, the Premier says the military will be assisting RCMP in the investigation.
“It’s not uncommon for federal agencies to provide support and I heard from the Justice Minister and the Attorney General that the military are part of providing some assistance to RCMP in their investigation.”
The military is said to be supplying equipment and personnel to help in the processing of various crime scenes.
Meantime, the Premier thanked everyone for the outpouring of support.
“Many of you have opened your hearts online and shared your memories. We have set up a book of condolences online at novascotia.ca/condolences. It is another opportunity for people anywhere, around the world to express their feelings to the families,”McNeil said
He encourages everyone to come together without physically coming together.
(With files from Tara Clow)
