Lawyer Geoff Budden has been appointed as inquiry counsel for the Inquiry Respecting Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons.

Commissioner James Igloliorte made the announcement today. Budden will assist the Commissioner with matters of public interest.

Igloliorte will examine the adequacy of existing ground search and rescue and address whatever deficiencies there may be.

The inquiry stems from the tragic death of 14-year-old Burton Winters who died after his snowmobile got stuck on the sea ice in 2012. He had walked 19 kilometres after abandoning the machine before succumbing to the elements.

The provincial government announced in January that the Commissioner’s final report is due this summer.