Lawyers, government officials and relatives had gathered in a Guysborough, N.S., municipal building for the inquiry that also aims to determine what can be done to prevent similar tragedy.

Adam Rodgers, who represents the family of former soldier Lionel Desmond and his estate, says the Nova Scotia Justice Department has imposed unrealistic restrictions on legal fees and preparation time.

Sajjan, a former soldier and Afghan war veteran, has faced sustained fire for having exaggerated his role in Operation Medusa.