British Columbia's chief coroner has called an inquest into the shooting deaths of nine people in Tumbler Ridge to determine how future deaths might be prevented.
Dr. Jatinder Baidwan says the inquest will examine how the mental health and public safety systems intersect and will also consider how guns were obtained by the killer.
Jesse Van Rootselaar shot dead her mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their home before killing five students, a teacher's aide and then herself at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Feb. 10.
Baidwan says the tragedy prompted widespread discussions about mental health and public safety, and a key part of the inquest will be looking at how people in crisis are identified and supported.
The coroner says the inquest will also consider how northern and rural communities in B.C. access mental health supports.
He says the coroners service has a unique role in looking at the deaths openly and in a way that will maintain public confidence.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
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