Justice Richard heads Westray inquiry (May 25, 1992)

The Nova Scotia government has appointed Justice Peter Richard to head an inquiry into the Westray coal mining disaster of May 9. Richard, 50, has been on the bench since 1978.

“It is essential that Nova Scotians know all the answers to all the questions surrounding and leading to this tragic event,” Premier Donald Cameron said in the legislature while announcing the appointment. “Mr. Justice Richard’s inquiry will not be limited to the events of the early morning of May 9. Nothing and no person with any light on this tragedy will escape the scrutiny of this inquiry.”

A methane explosion at the mine, 130 km northeast of Halifax, trapped 26 men underground. Sixteen bodies have been recovered while 10 remain missing. The search was suspended May 14 when the mine owner, Curragh Resources, said there was no possibility of survival and expressed concern about a cave-in. Richard will have the power to subpoena witnesses and can hire whomever he wants. He has been asked to determine whether negligence or a defect in the mine’s geology or operation contributed to the blast and to determine whether the operation complied with all relevant mining labor and safety statutes. Richard will also look into all other matters related to the construction of the mine — including the role of federal and provincial politicians. “I am unable at this early date to provide any details on the timing or location of hearings,” said Richard. “It will be my overriding concern that any testimony, document, report, opinion or other matter which bears upon my report and the conclusions and recommendation contained therein will be a matter of public record.”

The operation, located in the premier’s riding, was constructed with about $100 million in federal and provincial assistance.