9 parties want standing at Don Dunphy death inquiry

Nine groups and individuals are scheduled to ask for standing and/or funding at the Commission of Inquiry Respecting the Death of Donald Dunphy's first hearing in St. John's Wednesday.

Individuals on the list are:

• Meghan Dunphy
• Paul Davis 
• Joe Smyth 
• Andrew Abbass 

Meghan Dunphy is Don Dunphy's daughter. Progressive Conservative party leader Paul Davis was the province's premier at the time of Dunphy's death.

Joe Smyth is the police officer who fatally shot Dunphy. He was assigned to a police unit that was formed by the RNC to protect the premier. At that time, one RCMP officer had been seconded to work with that unit.

Andrew Abbass is a Labrador man who claimed he was unlawfully detained under mental health legislation, after making a tweet that called for all politicians to be executed in the wake of Dunphy's shooting.

• 'It was pure torture': Family hopes for full answers from inquiry in Don Dunphy's killing

• 'Significant value' in public inquiry, says RNC cop who shot Don Dunphy

Five groups are asking for the right to participate in the inquiry:

• Ad Hoc Coalition for Civil Liberties
• Donald Dunphy Community Coalition
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association

Commission officials said which of the parties is requesting funding in addition to standing will be revealed at the first hearing on Oct. 19.

​Commissioner will decide

Commissioner Leo Barry will determine which individuals and organizations have standing, using criteria set out in the Public Inquiries Act 2006 and the Commission's Rules of Procedure and Practice. 

Barry will also make a recommendation to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with respect to who gets financial support. The criteria for that is set out in the Commission's Rules of Procedure and Practice.