Proposed changes to P.E.I.’s Coroners Act would mandate the establishment of a review if a death occurs because of domestic violence. Photo by UnsplashArticle contentProposed changes to P.E.I.’s Coroners Act would, if put in place, mandate the establishment of a review if a death occurs because of domestic violence.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe proposed legal changes, a draft of which was posted on the province’s website, would allow the province’s chief coroner to establish one or multiple review committees to investigate deaths in P.E.I., including in cases involving domestic violence. These committees could examine death-related trends, look into specific deaths and provide advice to the chief coroner to help prevent similar deaths.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe changes to the Coroners Act are currently in the midst of public consultation. Public feedback can be submitted until Sept. 4. The act governs the investigation of sudden or unexpected deaths in the province.Article contentThe establishment of death review committees was a recommendation set out in a study of intimate-partner-related homicides commissioned by the Council of Atlantic Premiers. The study argued that data collected through these committees would help prevent domestic homicide.Article contentThat report determined that, of the 13 victims of homicide in P.E.I. between 2012 and 2022, three were linked to intimate partner violence. Another five were linked to domestic and family violence.Article contentNew Brunswick and Nova Scotia have both already established formalized domestic homicide death review committees.Article contentInquestsArticle contentThe proposed changes to the Coroners Act would also allow a “nearest relative” of deceased person to request an inquest, or a formal inquiry, be held into their deaths.Article contentArticle contentThe new legislation would allow the chief coroner to determine if such an inquest is held. If the chief coroner chose not to hold an inquest in this case, the act’s changes would require they provide their reasoning in writing to the relative.Article contentArticle contentCurrently, juries in public inquests are tasked with making recommendations to help prevent similar deaths in the future. The proposed changes would also allow the inquest coroner to make observations and recommendations that they believe could help prevent similar deaths or injuries.Article contentThis change was recommended by P.E.I.’s Office of the Child and Youth Advocate in its recent investigation into the death of Olivia Rodd, a nine-year old girl who was murdered in 2020 by her mother.Article contentAnother recommendation from the child and youth advocate called for regular monitoring of whether or not the province has implemented inquest recommendations. This recommendation was not incorporated into the draft legislation.
Changes to P.E.I. Coroners Act would mandate reviews of domestic violence-related deaths
