'Let's have it all be open and do a public inquiry. It's not about people getting sued. It's about improving the long-term care system.'

Anne McLellan, former deputy prime minister has withdrawn as a commissioner into the shooting spree in April that left 22 people dead. 

Information used to obtain search warrants for properties owned by the gunman was unsealed by the courts, but some of that information has caused widespread speculation, the RCMP says.

The families of the 22 people killed in the tragedy say the announcement of a full public inquiry is the result of their determination and public support.

The deaths of Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi will now be subject to separate coroner's inquests.

The inquiry will be equipped with the ability to summon witnesses or require them to provide evidence as well as the power to subpoena documents. 

The rally came after both the provincial and federal governments established an independent review into the incident.

"We'd been asking for a feminist analysis which is to look at women and women's position and what violence against women means in Nova Scotia."

"We don't need people telling us what they believe we need, we need them to listen to us and give us the public inquiry."

Since Thursday, thousands have already signed a petition calling for a public inquiry -- not just a review -- into the shooting spree.