News release

Fatality Inquiry to Open Feb. 18

Public Prosecution Service
Justice

An inquiry looking into the November 2007 death of Howard Hyde will open at Halifax Provincial Court on Wednesday, Feb. 18, with a review of applications for standing.

The bulk of the inquiry is scheduled for April 22 to Aug. 14.

"It's important that any party who believes he or she has standing at this inquiry be given an opportunity to make a case for that standing," said Dan MacRury, chief Crown attorney for the Cape Breton Region and counsel appointed for the inquiry. "The inquiry is asking that any applications be submitted in writing prior to Feb. 18."

Provincial court judge Anne Derrick has been appointed to conduct the inquiry and to make recommendations on:

  • date, time and place of death
  • circumstances under which the death occurred
  • cause of death
  • manner of death
  • any other matter which may arise from the inquiry

The fatality inquiry was ordered by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cecil Clarke last September. In conducting a fatality inquiry, Judge Derrick has all the powers of a commissioner appointed under the Public Inquiries Act, which includes the authority to hold public hearings and hear witnesses.

Applications for standing may be submitted to Mr. MacRury at Commerce Tower, Third Floor, 15 Dorchester St., Sydney, N.S., B1P 5Y9. Applications can also be made by telephone at 902-563-3530; fax at 902-563-0506 or e-mail at macrurda@gov.ns.ca .

Inquiry dates will be April 22, at the Halifax Provincial Court on Spring Garden Road, and July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, August 4-7 and 10-14 at the Halifax Law Courts, 1815 Upper Water St.