Sask. launches domestic death review committee

For the first time in Saskatchewan, cases of domestic violence deaths will be reviewed to try toprevent similar deaths in the future.

It's something the province promised to do in the wake of several domestic homicides including a mother and her three children in Tisdale last year.

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The justice minister says a review panel will begin its work next month reviewing three to five cases of domestic violence deaths.

"Looking at commonalities in those cases, looking to see what kind of programming...interventions that may have been missed," Gord Wyant told reporters.

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The Opposition's justice critic, Nicole Sarauer, welcomes the review panel but says the government could be doing more right now.

She cites legislation in both Alberta and Manitoba which could help victims here.

In Alberta, a new law wouldallow domestic violence victims to break their leases withoutfinancial penalty and in Manitoba, there are provisions for victims to take time off work.

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The panel is comprised of the chief coroner, domestic violence workers and police officers.

Its first report is expected later this year.