Justice Minister Ross Landry said he needs time to review Judge Anne Derrick’s report on the death of Howard Hyde before committing to any of the report’s 80 recommendations.
“What’s important here is that we take time to study the full depth of that report,” Landry said yesterday.
The recommendations are sweeping; implementing them all would involve not only increasing resources for both the departments of justice and health, but change the way front-line officers and responders deal with people with mental health issues.
“We have taken some steps … already to ensure there’s training and upgrading of sheriffs, police and correctional officers,” said Landry.
Health Minister Maureen MacDonald said she hasn’t had time to properly review the report, but agreed additional training was required.
“Generally speaking, we know we have to do more to assist people in our justice system and in our health-care system around crises intervention, good assessment, and communication between different systems,” she said.
Halifax Regional Police were similarly hesitant to comment on the content of Derrick’s report.
“We are waiting to comment until such time as we have been able to fully review and digest the material contained in the report,” said spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter.
