Government Welcomes Nunn Commission Report

The province has received the Nunn Commission report and is preparing a response for release in the coming weeks. The government called for the inquiry after the death of Theresa McEvoy in 2004.

"We are pleased to have reached this stage in the process," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "This inquiry was called to help prevent similar tragedies, and it has put a renewed momentum on addressing the root causes of crime, and the need to fix the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act to better protect Nova Scotians."

In 2004, then justice minister Michael Baker announced an independent public inquiry into the release of a youth who was later charged in the death of Theresa McEvoy of Halifax. Ms. McEvoy was killed when her car was struck by another vehicle.

Justice Merlin Nunn was appointed as inquiry commissioner in June 2005. The inquiry began in October 2005, and finished hearing testimony in June 2006.

"I want to thank Commissioner Nunn and his lead counsel Michael Messenger for their dedication to this important work," said Mr. Scott. "I also want to acknowledge the many people who offered testimony at the inquiry."

"In particular, the McEvoy family must be recognized for their unfailing commitment to seeing something positive come from this tragedy," said Mr. Scott. "Although nothing can be done to bring Ms. McEvoy back, everything we have learned through the inquiry, and the benefits that result, are her legacy."

The province has been preparing for the report and will be finalizing an official response within the coming weeks.

"We've been meeting with partner departments in anticipation of the report, and are committed to providing a response as quickly as possible," said Mr. Scott.