"This is the right decision and it's a fair decision," Sandi Mowat, President MNU said.  "The purpose of the inquiry is to find out what happened and to ensure that processes are in place so that this never happens again. It was not a question of media not being allowed to cover the inquiry.  They will still cover it.  They will just not be allowed to have cameras." 

In his ruling, Judge Tim Preston, referenced the MNU affidavit submitted by Mowat as providing 'first-hand observation, information and belief' about the concerns of privacy, safety, stress and morale faced by nurses who will be called as witnesses.

According to Preston's ruling, "Serious and valid privacy and security concerns are at stake when the image or the words of a witness are broadcast to the world....Images and words, once captured and stored, can be rebroadcast in a variety of uncontrolled contexts, for a myriad of motives. Witnesses and other participants risk losing their privacy, long after these proceedings are over."

The media will still have access to the inquiry and be able to report on anything they deem to be relevant, the only restriction is the technical process - no cameras or electronic media. 

"Having cameras focused on the witnesses to allow for live streaming during their testimony serves no purpose except it makes a difficult situation far more stressful," Mowat said.  "I have absolute confidence in the nurses who work in the ER at HSC. I know they will provide information critical to the outcome of the inquiry." 

Below is an excerpt from the ruling:

"In the context of an inquest, the privacy rights of the participants at the inquest are important.  Inquests by their nature deal with sensitive issues surrounding circumstances of a death.  To allow the filming of witnesses would be unprecedented....It would be precedent setting. It may indeed have ramifications on people's willingness to cooperate with the process."

"The court will still be open to the public and media will be allowed in to report on the case...The inquest is open to the public.  Neither the freedom of the press to attend and report, nor the right of the public to attend the inquest is being interfered with in any way.  An open court at this inquest means that justice will be seen and done."