The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children is seen in Dartmouth, N.S. on Jan. 8, 2013.Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press
Premier Darrell Dexter says his government will launch an independent panel to review accusations of abuse involving the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children.
Dexter says the commitment is contained in today's throne speech.
He says the panel will allow people who allege they were abused while at the Halifax orphanage to speak out publicly about their experiences.
He says it best addresses the process asked for by members of the black community during consultations with the government.
Tony Smith, a former resident of the home, says he is looking forward to hearing more about the panel, but believes it could fall short of what former residents of the orphanage want.
Both the opposition Liberals and Tories say the panel is not what former residents of the home are seeking and will lack the weight of a judicial inquiry.