Vancouver, B.C. –The B.C. government plan to eliminate mandatory coroner’s inquests for some in-custody and police-involved deaths was criticized today by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association. The proposal is contained in the grab-bag “Miscellaneous Statues Amendment Act, 2010” rather than as part of any comprehensive reform of coroner’s inquests in B.C.
“The public and police authorities have called for more independent scrutiny of police conduct
when things go wrong. Yet the province is now proposing to reduce the oversight that is there,” said Robert Holmes, President of the BCCLA. “While the coroner’s process needs real reforms the government’s latest step is not one of them.”
The BCCLA has written Kash Heed, the Solicitor General, asking that he withdraw the proposed amendment to the Coroner’s Act and replace it with meaningful reforms, including requirements that only a medical professional, such as a doctor with forensic pathology expertise, should be the Chief Coroner of B.C. In B.C. for almost 20 years, the Chief Coroner has been a retired police officer with little or no medical or forensic pathology experience.
“Keeping inquests mandatory for all in-custody deaths ensures some accountability by the police to the public,” said Holmes. “Requiring inquests in all such cases reminds everyone involved in dealing with persons in custody that nothing will be swept under the rug. Eroding accountability when public confidence is at a low because of Mr. Dziekanski’s death and other high-profile cases is a step in the wrong direction.”
Eliminating the requirement for inquests could result in wrongful deaths being undetected as such, contrary to the public’s right to know what went on and get at the truth, noted Holmes.
“Government should make inquests full, fair and open proceedings, not shut them down before they get under way,” he added.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, BCCLA President, (604) 681-1310
David Eby, BCCLA Executive Director, (778) 865-7997
See the letter from the BCCLA to the Solicitor General >>
