Full Breakdown
RCMP Investigation of Nova Scotia Power Drowning Criticized as “Grossly Inadequate”
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident and Investigation Findings
In October 2020, 26-year-old engineer Andrew Gnazdowsky drowned while retrieving a malfunctioning remotely operated vehicle from a Nova Scotia Power reservoir near Sheet Harbour. A final report from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) concluded that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) conducted a “grossly inadequate and unreasonable” investigation. The commission said the RCMP handed the scene to Nova Scotia Power too quickly and failed to secure the area as a potential crime scene, thereby neglecting a thorough assessment of possible criminal liability.
Background and Legal Actions
Following the tragedy, the provincial Labour Department charged three firms—Nova Scotia Power, Brunswick Engineering of Saint John, N.B., and Gemtec Consulting Engineering and Scientists Ltd. of Fredericton—under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act. The companies were collectively fined $260,000 for safety violations related to the incident. Andrew Gnazdowsky’s sister, Nicole Gnazdowsky, filed a formal complaint against the RCMP in January 2024, arguing that the police should have investigated the firms for Criminal Code offences such as criminal negligence causing death.
Official Responses
Inspector Cory Bushell, in a letter dated April 30 2025, maintained that the initial investigation was reasonable and consistent with the Criminal Code, noting that no evidence of a criminal offence had been identified and that responsibility for any further inquiry rested with the Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) department.
Data and Penalties
- Fines imposed on the three companies: $260,000 total.
- Investigation deemed “grossly inadequate” by the CRCC.
- RCMP’s internal review (April 30 2025) upheld the original investigative actions as reasonable.
The case illustrates tensions between law-enforcement protocols and occupational health-safety enforcement, prompting calls for clearer guidelines when workplace deaths intersect with potential criminal conduct.