An inquiry into the deadly explosion at the Westray coal mine opened June 29 with accusations from a union lawyer that the company and provincial government routinely ignored safety to boost production.
“We believe that the province of Nova Scotia, through its desire to have this mine in operation, has created a recipe which led to a disaster,” said Ron Pink, a lawyer representing Local 9332 of the United Steelworkers of America.
The hearing was held to determine who should receive official standing before the inquiry. Public hearings begin this fall into the May 9 blast that killed 26 miners.
Toronto-based Curragh Inc., operated the mine. Curragh’s lawyer, Peter Atkinson, said the truth will clear the company’s reputation. Justice Peter Richard of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court is heading the 1-man investigation.
Richard granted full standing to Curragh, the province, miners, families, the town of Stellarton, the Bank of Nova Scotia — which financed the mine — and two company officials, mine manager Gerald Phillips and underground manager Roger Parry.
A surprise request for independent standing by two Labour Department mine inspectors was withdrawn after they met with government lawyers during a break.
Albert MacLean, who ordered the mine to clean up explosive coal dust 10 days before the explosion, had said he wasn’t sure whether government lawyers would represent his interests and those of fellow inspector John Smith. — Southam News
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