Ontario to call for public inquiry into ex-nurse Wettlaufer's murders

Ont. to launch public inquiry into nurse's murders The Ontario government is set to launch a public inquiry into former nurse Wettlaufer's murders. Paul Bliss reports.

TORONTO -- The case of a nurse who murdered eight seniors in long-term care homes in Ontario will be examined in a public inquiry.

The Ontario government announced Monday it is moving to appoint a commissioner to lead a public inquiry into the circumstances of the deaths.

Elizabeth Wettlaufer, who pleaded guilty last month to eight counts of first-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault, was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.

Health Minister Eric Hoskins and Attorney General Yasir Naqvi offered condolences on behalf of the provincial government to Wettlaufer's victims.

The ministers say they want to assure the public that, despite Wettlaufer's crimes, the 78,000 residents of Ontario's publicly funded long-term care homes are safe.

At the same time, they said the inquiry process is meant to answer questions so the government can ensure a similar tragedy does not happen again.

The government is finalizing the details of the inquiry and will make them available to the public once they have been approved by cabinet.