Four years after the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, the community of Colchester County in Nova Scotia continues to struggle with accessing mental health resources. The tragedy began on April 18-19, 2020, when a gunman disguised as an RCMP officer murdered 22 people in the area, including a pregnant woman and an RCMP officer. Fifteen of the victims were from Colchester County, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The mayor of Colchester County, Christine Blair, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the community in terms of mental health support and trauma counseling.
According to Mayor Blair, the community is still reeling from the effects of the mass shooting, with increased levels of violence, anger, and intimate partner violence being reported. The recent suicide of a shooting survivor, Leon Joudrey, further underscores the urgent need for mental health resources and support services in the area. The Mass Casualty Commission, which investigated the killings, made several recommendations to improve mental health access, including increasing mainstream mental health services, enhancing literacy around grief and trauma, and implementing a national policy for mass casualty support services.
In response to the commission’s recommendations, the province of Nova Scotia has committed to enhancing mental health, grief, and bereavement services in the affected communities, including Colchester County. The government has allocated almost $9 million over two years as part of an $18-million initiative to design and deliver these crucial services. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston reiterated the province’s commitment to making communities safer and stronger, stating that there is still more work to be done but ensuring that they are dedicated to implementing the necessary changes.
Mayor Blair emphasized the importance of continuous support for the community, especially in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. She urged for the establishment of a counseling center in a central location within the county to provide ongoing support to those in need. Additionally, efforts are underway to create a permanent memorial for the lives lost in the mass shooting as a way to honor their memories and provide solace to the community. The province and the community are working together to address the mental health crisis and ensure that residents have access to the support they require.
Looking ahead, Mayor Blair remains hopeful that more support will be forthcoming to help the community heal from the lingering effects of the mass shooting. She stressed the importance of recognizing the ongoing need for mental health resources, even four years after the tragic event. Organizations like the Mental Health & Addictions Provincial Crisis Line, Suicide Crisis Helpline, and Kids Help Phone are available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis and are encouraged to seek help. Mayor Blair and the community of Colchester County are committed to continuing their efforts to ensure that the necessary resources and support services are accessible to all those in need.
