Media Advisory
(Wednesday, May 16/2001)-- Various media reports today erroneously stated that Halifax Regional Municipality has given the approval to exhume the remains of three unidentified victims of the Titanic buried in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
For the record, an order to exhume remains must be signed by the Provincial Medical Officer, in this case, Dr. Robert Strang. HRM, as owner of the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, must comply with such orders, whether it involves remains buried yesterday or 100 years ago. The responsibility of HRM in such cases is to ensure that the grave(s) is properly opened and closed, following all relevant protocols; and further, to ensure that the exhumation is carried out in a dignified and respectful manner and that no artifacts are removed. As with all exhumations, it is paramount that the privacy of the families involved be protected.
HRM has been advised that the DNA-sampling team involved in the exhumations of the Titanic graves will hold a news conference in Halifax regarding the issue. Time and place are TBA (to be announced) later.
All media inquiries regarding exhumation of victims of the Titanic buried in Fairview Lawn Cemetery should be directed to Alan Ruffman, president of the Titanic Society at 422-6482; Provincial Medical Officer Dr. Robert Strang at 481-5871; or Dr. Ryan Parr, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, at (807) 343-8001.
Any inquires regarding HRM's role in such exhumations should be directed to John O'Brien, Corporate Communications Officer, at 490-6531.
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