CANADA, November 29 - NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston on the Progress Monitoring Committee annual report released today, November 29.

I want to thank Ms. Freeman and the Progress Monitoring Committee for their report on the progress made on the recommendations contained in the Mass Casualty Commission final report.

We will never forget those who lost their lives in the tragic events of April 18 and 19, 2020. One way we can honour the memories of those lost and support the survivors is by continuing to take action and make the changes necessary to help prevent something like this from happening again.

Let me be very clear: we are committed to advancing the recommendations in the Mass Casualty Commission final report.

Nova Scotians should feel safe in their homes and in their communities. Every one of us has a role in making families, neighbourhoods and communities safer.

We know that intimate partner violence is an epidemic in Nova Scotia. That’s why my government supported the legislation declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic. We must focus on preventing this violence and improve what we do when it happens.

Nova Scotia is making investments in a number of areas to prevent and respond to intimate partner violence, including enhanced victim services, increased funding for community organizations and transition houses and a domestic violence court program.

We know we need to do more in a variety of areas, and we will.

I want Nova Scotians to know that help is available for those at risk or experiencing intimate-partner or gender-based violence. People can call 211 to access the women’s, men’s or all-genders helplines and in an emergency, please don’t hesitate to call 911.