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“Canada has for decades now dealt inadequately with what is an ongoing national tragedy,” he said. “The inquiry needs to provide justice for the victims, healing for the families and put an end to this ongoing tragedy.”

But two former inquiry insiders have spoken with the National Post about the frustration and disappointment they felt working on a project they believed in, but that seemed to be going astray. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of professional repercussions.

The picture painted of the inquiry’s inner workings is one of discord and indecision — a description the commission disputes. “I’m very, very proud of our team, and I think they are incredibly competent and they’re navigating through a very, very difficult task,” said Qajaq Robinson, one of the inquiry’s four remaining commissioners.

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But one source said it felt like the inquiry was “kind of floating all over the place.”

“I was in tears so many times… tears of frustration,” they said.

“They’re more concerned about their reputation and what the inquiry looks like than actually doing the job.”

By this account, the organization’s problems start at the top.

“It lacks leadership. I think (chief commissioner) Marion Buller, she’s a lovely person, but she doesn’t have the skills, the management skills,” the source said. Buller was not available to comment for this story, but a spokesperson responded that “the National Inquiry will not comment about other people’s opinion.”