B.C. ministry unaware of coroners attending death scenes remotely after 2019

BC Coroners Service under scrutiny for remote attendance at death scenes

The BC Coroners Service has come under fire for its practice of attending certain death scenes remotely instead of in person, which has raised concerns about missed bodies and potential neglect of duty.

Background

Former community coroner Sonya Schulz revealed that the service stopped requiring coroners to physically attend certain scenes to save money several years ago. This practice came to light when the bodies of missing Indigenous teenager Noelle O’Soup and a woman named Elma Enan were discovered months after the initial death scene investigation.

Ministry’s response

The Ministry of Public Safety expressed shock at the revelation, stating that they believed in-person scene attendance had been restored six years ago. They are currently in discussions with the BC Coroners Service to address the situation.

Public outcry

Public safety opposition critic Elenore Sturko condemned the oversight, calling it “sickening” and expressing concern over the neglect of duty investigation faced by the Vancouver police officer who attended the scene. Sturko also highlighted the inadequate mental health support for coroners and body removal services personnel.

Compensation issues

Field coroners are paid about $32 an hour but do not receive compensation for being on call, leading to concerns about the sustainability of the current system. A recent ruling in an employment standards complaint highlighted the challenges faced by coroners like Dawn Giles, who argued for fair compensation for on-call hours.

Call for action

Sturko emphasized the need for the government to review the compensation model for coroners and address the challenges they face in performing their duties. She commended whistleblowers like Schulz for coming forward and urged for better support for those in the field.

It is crucial for the BC Coroners Service to reevaluate its policies surrounding remote attendance at death scenes to ensure timely and thorough investigations in the future.

This revised report highlights the concerns raised by the remote attendance practice and calls for greater support for coroners in British Columbia.

Author: Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press