Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has met with the family of Colten Boushie, a Cree man killed on a farm near Biggar in 2016, assuring them that they would get answers.
The family is waiting for the RCMP to respond to a Civilian Review and Complaints Commission report, which examined the actions of the Mounties in investigating the death.
“On a few different occasions, I was able to sit down with the family of Colton Boushie. And I assured them that we would get them answers on what happened. We are all awaiting this report. And I have asked Minister Blair to follow up on where this report is at and how quickly it can be released,” said Trudeau.
Concerns were raised as to how evidence was collected, in that officers left vehicle Boushie was shot in outside in a downpour, possibly compromising the evidence.
As well the family believes the RCMP illegally searched their home when they informed them of Colten’s death.
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, which is an independent review body announced in March 2018 that it would investigate the family’s allegations.
The final report was handed to the RCMP in January, with an agreed upon timeline of July for a response.
“I know directly from the Boushie family and from victims of incidents across the country that the wait is extremely difficult to find out answers. It interferes with the grieving process. It leaves a gaping wounds that are difficult to fill,” explained Trudeau.
“That’s why as a society we need to do better on getting those answers quickly to people. That’s why I’ve asked Minister Blair to follow up on what is going on with this report and ensure that it is released soon. At the same time, I think there is a reflection to be had on how to ensure that that situations like this and delays like this don’t happen again.”
Gerald Stanley was found not guilty by a jury in the death of Boushie. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki told Parliamentarians this week that a response into the Boushie report was expected later this fall.