Independent investigators have left Edmundston, News Brunswick, while Chantel Moore’s family and First Nations say they still have not been consulted or included in the probe into her death.
The 26-year-old mother of a six-year-old girl was shot and killed by a police officer there last week after he was sent to check on her well being.
Moore lived on Vancouver Island for years, but she also had many connections in New Brunswick.
“Chantel’s known within our community,” said Russ Letica, a Madawaska First Nation band member.
“She’s lived in Edmundston before going out west and moving back. Her mother is well known. She’s been here almost 30 years within the Edmundston area so the family is well known here.”
Ten members of Chantel Moore’s family arrived in New Brunswick Monday from Vancouver Island to be with Moore’s mother.
“When someone passes on, you sit with them and you be with them and you be their strength. We call it bringing medicine,” said Judith Sayers.
Moore died after being shot by police early last Thursday. New Brunswick officials have asked for an independent investigation of the incident by Quebec officials.
The head of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council says despite extensive lobbying, First Nations are not being consulted about the investigation, though they have many questions.
Last week the Tseshaht First Nation and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council called for an inquest into Moore’s death.
“Like her body was six feet from the door and the Edmundston city police are saying that she came to the door and attacked the officer, so there are so many inconsistencies,” said Sayers.
Quebec investigators left New Brunswick this morning after spending 48 hours in the region. They say they’re trying to determine if the information provided by Edmundston police is correct, but they warn it may take months to complete their probe.
Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns raised Moore’s death in parliament yesterday.
“What will the government actually do to change how calls like these are responded to? Does the minister really think that police are the right answer for wellness checks?” asked Johns.
“We absolutely agree that this tragic tragic death should’ve been avoided and we absolutely agree that it behooves all of us to have root and branch reform of how these cases are handled,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
The federal government is saying change is necessary to ensure police checks don’t end up with such tragic outcomes in the future.
Kendall Hanson
