The BCCLA is supporting a community rally on the anniversary of the death of Curtis Brick and its call for a coroner’s inquest into the homeless aboriginal man’s death. Curtis Brick died of heat exposure in Grandview Park in Vancouver. Hyperthermia—heat exposure—is a cause of death whose symptoms are often mistaken and not appreciated in a timely way. At the time of his death, witnesses alleged that Brick was improperly treated by emergency personnel.

“Coroner’s inquests are held to improve public safety and prevent situations involving avoidable deaths from recurring. Lessons ought to be learned and mistakes not repeated. Doing so in a public process such as a coroner’s hearing helps, largely because coroners are in place for fact-finding, not fault-finding,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA. “Curtis Brick was a homeless aboriginal man whose death aroused intense community interest and concern. It is important that the coroner act to ensure that the circumstances of his passing are investigated. It is important to ensure that all service providers understand the dangers of heat exposure and the need for vigilance and caring in dealing with disadvantaged persons.”

The BCCLA met with the coroner’s office in early July and at that time was advised that the Brick file remains open and that no final determination has yet been made on whether or not to hold an inquest.

“Government should address publicly and prominently what it is doing to ensure that first responders, law enforcement, medical service providers and the public generally are suitably prepared to deal with events in hot weather,” said Holmes. “On this anniversary of his untimely passing, we’re hoping that the coroner acts to address the community’s demands for answers.”

Curtis Brick died on July 29, 2009 of heat exposure. The memorial rally is on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at Grandview Park and is being organized by the Indigenous Action Movement. In the wake of Curtis Brick’s death, the City of Vancouver has begun to phase in over a 2 year period, hot weather protocols for vulnerable populations to minimize the risk of similar deaths.

Click here to read the City of Vancouver’s hot weather protocol >>

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, President, 604-838-6856
David Eby, Executive Director, 778-865-7997