The ground search and rescue inquiry may not be making headlines like the one into Muskrat Falls, but inquiry counsel Geoff Budden says that’s no reflection on the important work done to date.

Testimony has exposed issues with coordination among all players, as well as the increased importance of mental health training.

Budden concedes the inquiry is mostly of interest to searchers and whoever they’re looking for, which he notes could be any one on any day.

He says most people don’t think about it until they or a loved one is missing, adding we’re all just “an innocuous mistake” away from needing that assistance ourselves.

The public hearings phase of the inquiry wrapped up last week.

But there are still some meetings left in Labrador that were disrupted by weather.

The final report is due in just six weeks from now on November 30th.