The man who will lead the independent public inquiry into the fatal collapse of the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake has been given a mandate to "ask the kinds of tough questions ... that need asking," according to the province's Attorney General.

Commissioner Paul R. Bélanger will lead the public inquiry focusing on three key aspects of the tragic events at the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, the province stated in finalizing the details of the inquiry. These areas include events surrounding the collapse, policies and procedures of provincial and municipal governments relating to the structural integrity and safety of the mall and emergency response provided after the collapse.

The Commissioner's goal will be to deliver a final report to the Attorney General within 12 months - and in any event no later than 18 months - after beginning the inquiry.

Once the government receives the final report, it will be tabled in the Legislature and made available to the public.

“We're doing everything we can to prevent tragedies like the one in Elliot Lake from happening again,” Attorney General John Gerretsen said, in a press release. “We've given Commissioner Bélanger a mandate to ask the kinds of tough questions about the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall that need asking. I look forward to his recommendations.”

A website will be set up to keep the public informed throughout the public inquiry. At any time during the course of the inquiry, the commission may propose interim measures to address any matter falling within its mandate.

Posted by Arron Pickard