In an exclusive and revealing interview with CTV News, Lisa Banfield, the former longtime partner of Gabriel Wortman, has shared new insights into the mindset of the man responsible for Canada's deadliest mass shooting. Banfield, who was in a relationship with Wortman for nearly two decades, described the intense paranoia that consumed him in the period leading up to the April 2020 tragedy in Nova Scotia.
The Roots of a Growing Distrust
Banfield's account, detailed in a report by CTV National News Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Omar Sachedina and reporter Scott Ferguson, paints a picture of a man whose suspicions spiralled out of control. Gabriel Wortman's paranoia, she revealed, became a dominant force in his life, fundamentally altering his behaviour and their relationship. The couple had been together for almost 20 years before Wortman embarked on his 13-hour rampage across rural Nova Scotia, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people.
The interview, published on January 14, 2026, provides a rare and personal glimpse into the shooter's private life. Banfield's perspective is crucial for understanding the complex personal dynamics that existed behind the public horror of the event. Her revelations aim to shed light on the warning signs and the internal turmoil that preceded the violence.
A Relationship Shaped by Fear
While the full details of Banfield's testimony remain within the CTV News exclusive, the report indicates she spoke candidly about what she witnessed. Describing the factors that fuelled his paranoia, Banfield's story contributes to the painful, ongoing process of comprehending an incomprehensible act. Her decision to speak publicly comes nearly six years after the tragedy, as communities and families continue to seek answers and healing.
The Nova Scotia mass shooting remains a watershed moment in Canadian history, prompting national conversations about gun control, police response protocols, and domestic violence. Testimonies like Banfield's add a critical, human dimension to the official inquiries and reports, highlighting the often-hidden personal crises that can escalate into public catastrophe.
Seeking Understanding After Tragedy
This exclusive interview underscores the long and difficult path toward understanding for those closest to such events. Lisa Banfield's account is not presented as an excuse for Wortman's actions, but as a painful piece of a larger puzzle. It serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked mental distress and isolation can have devastating consequences.
The public sharing of these details is a significant step, offering a narrative that moves beyond the statistics and the timeline of the shooting itself. It confronts the uncomfortable reality of who the perpetrator was in private life, as seen through the eyes of someone who knew him intimately. For researchers, policymakers, and the public, these insights are invaluable in forming a more complete picture of the pathways to violence.
