A Stronger, More Accountable Coroners System
May 28, 2009 2:38 PM
McGuinty Government Takes Next Step In Coroners System Overhaul
- The establishment of an oversight council for Ontario's death investigation system
- An improved complaints system under the oversight council
- The establishment of an Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
- A registry of pathologists authorized to conduct coroner's autopsies in Ontario
- Improved death investigation services to northern and First Nations communities.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario's coroners investigate approximately 20,000 deaths every year.
- Approximately 7,000 of those investigations require a post-mortem examination by a pathologist.
- The Coroners Act has not been significantly updated since the 1970s.
CONTACTS
- Stuart McGetrick
Communications Branch
416-325-9686
ontario.ca/safety
"We have acted swiftly to deliver on our commitment to strengthen the province's death investigation system. The new legislation ensures we have the necessary checks and balances in place to ensure high quality death investigations that contribute to the safety of all Ontarians."
– Rick Bartolucci
Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services
"This legislation gives us the framework to build on the work we've already done to strengthen the system to ensure that the people of Ontario have confidence and trust in our system."
– Dr. Andrew McCallum
Ontario's Chief Coroner
"The new law recognizes the importance of a professional forensic pathology service. We can now take the next steps towards delivering the consistent high quality service the people of Ontario deserve."
– Dr. Michael Pollanen
Ontario's Chief Forensic Pathologist
Communities
