"Ontario is seeking feedback on a potential amendment to the Coroners Act that may replace mandatory inquests into jail deaths with coroner-led annual reviews. According to documents sent from the Ministry of the Solicitor General to stakeholders, possible proposed changes would include appointing at least one coroner to lead the annual review, "supported by an advisory committee composed of experts and various stakeholders from the sector." Those stakeholders "could include family representatives, the legal community, coroners, correctional services, advocacy organizations, and advisory bodies or other subject matter experts," wrote ministry spokesperson Saddam Khussain in an email to CBC News."
"I don't suggest for a moment that we shouldn't have annual reviews, but they should not replace inquests.- Kevin Egan, lawyer in London, Ont."
"If annual reviews were implemented, inquests could still be held, but at the request of families or when deemed necessary by the chief coroner, wrote Khussain. Findings and recommendations from any annual review would remain public, similar to inquests, Khussain added."
Ontario is asking for feedback on amending the Coroners Act to potentially replace mandatory inquests into in-custody non-natural deaths with coroner-led annual reviews. Proposed changes would assign at least one coroner to lead an annual review supported by an advisory committee of experts and stakeholders, including family representatives, the legal community, coroners, correctional services, advocacy organizations and subject-matter experts. The advisory committee would assist the coroner in examining all non-natural in-custody deaths from the previous calendar year and provide recommendations. Inquests would still be available at the request of families or if the chief coroner deems them necessary. Findings and recommendations from annual reviews would remain public.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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