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British Columbia’s chief coroner has announced an inquest into last month’s mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
Dr. Jatinder Baidwan said Tuesday the inquest will look at the circumstances around the nine deaths in the small northern B.C. community.
Jurors will examine potential systemic and procedural issues, and make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The Feb. 10 tragedy was one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history.
Jesse Van Rootselaar shot and killed her mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their home, before killing five students, an education assistant and then herself at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Baidwan said the inquest will look into how people in crisis are identified and supported, including access to mental health supports and services in rural and remote communities.
It will also consider how guns were obtained by the shooter.
Baidwan said he didn’t know when the inquest will begin, saying an investigation is ongoing.
“As soon as all the information is available to hold an inquest, we will hold an inquest, and I promised that to the mayor of Tumbler Ridge,” he said.
He said the coroner’s service has a unique role in looking at the deaths openly and in a way that will maintain public confidence.
B.C. Premier David Eby had previously said there would be either be a coroner’s inquest or a public inquiry after police wrap up their investigation.
