Family wants identities hidden at Phoenix inquiry

The Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry resumed Monday with a legal battle over whether the names ofseveral witnesses related to a convicted murderer would be revealed.

The inquiry is looking into the circumstances surrounding the murder of five-year-old Phoenix Sinclair.

She was killed in 2005 on Fisher River First Nation. Her mother, Samantha Kematch, and her mothers boyfriend, Karl McKay, were convicted of first-degree murder in her death.

Lawyers presented arguments for much of the day Monday, arguing over whether or not four witnesses who are related to McKay should have their identities shielded.

A motion to ban the publication of the four relatives was introduced in early February.

The inquirys commissioner, Ted Hughes, will have to decide if the group could be endangered or have their lives negatively impacted in their identities are revealed.

Hughes heard from a number of lawyers who said all four of the witnesses feared serious repercussions if their identities were revealed.

Lawyer Hafeez Khan, who represents Intertribal Child and Family Services in Manitoba, opposed the publication ban. Hughes challenged his opposition to the ban.

"I want to know why your client wants to put those people through that when they had nothing to do with this grievous, disastrous murder," said Hughes.

"They are linked by family and want to put that event behind them."

The inquiry concluded at 2 p.m. Monday, without a verdict from Hughes on whether or not the family's identities would be revealed.

The inquiry was scheduled to resume Tuesday afternoon, when Hughes was expected to decide on the possible publication ban.

Conflict of interest resolution expected

The inquiry is also expected to hear the results of a conflict of interest claim against lawyer Kris Saxberg.

Saxberg is representing a number of CFS agencies at the inquiry and was cautioned on Feb. 6 by Hughes.

Hughes said it could impact his ability to make a closing statement at the inquiry.