The commission leading the inquiry into the mass shootings in Nova Scotia is working to speak with the common law spouse of Gabriel Wortman.
Lisa Banfield spent 19 years with the gunman and was able to escape as Wortman began his rampage on April 18, 2020.
She hid in the woods as Wortman went on to kill 13 people in Portapique that night.
A lawyer for victims’ families told the inquiry there is no witness more critical than Banfield.
Pressure is mounting to hear from responding officers during the early hours of the shootings that left 22 people dead.
A decision from the commissioners is expected on Wednesday.