Independent reviewer Murray Segal is recommending that he delay his review of the police and Public Prosecution Service response in the Rehtaeh Parsons case.
Mr. Segal met with the Parsons family this week.
He concluded that he can complete a more thorough review once the court proceedings against two young men charged in the case are finished.
Attorney General and Justice Minister Lena Diab approved Mr. Segal’s request to delay the review.
“Like many Nova Scotians, I have been deeply moved by this tragic case and I am eager to receive Mr. Segal’s report,” said Ms. Diab. “But I also want to ensure the review is as inclusive and far-reaching as possible, with meaningful recommendations for change.”
In the meantime, the province has committed to investing in schools to ensure students have more resources and establishing a sexual assault strategy focused on prevention and supporting victims. The province will also monitor the effectiveness of the new CyberSCAN investigative unit.
In August, police laid child pornography charges against two individuals in relation to this case. The court case is ongoing.
“To ensure that the review is as meaningful as possible in this tragic matter, I thought it best to wait for the conclusion of the outstanding prosecution,” said Mr. Segal.
Mr. Segal, a former deputy attorney general of Ontario, was hired to do an independent review in August. His review will consider the impact of technology on young people, their families, their interaction with the justice system and police investigations. It will focus on the police and Public Prosecution Services’ handling of the Parsons case and related policies and procedures, and make recommendations for improvements.
Mr. Segal has met with the agencies involved in the case and will resume his review immediately once the court case concludes.
A review of Halifax Regional School Board and associated agencies’ response to Ms. Parsons’ case was completed in June. A review of the IWK Health Centre and other health agencies’ response is underway.
Source: Release