Fatality Inquiries Discussion Paper Released

Nova Scotia's system for investigating sudden deaths is up for public discussion. The Department of Justice today released a paper on the Fatality Inquiries Act which raises key questions related to reforming the act.

The discussion paper deliberately offers no positions to the questions raised regarding possible legislative changes. The intention is to garner as much feedback as possible from interested groups before any decisions are made regarding possible positions and legislative changes.

The paper invites views on such issues as mandatory inquests, the reporting of sudden deaths, and whether the roles of the police and medical examiner should be outlined in legislation.

"Many of the procedures followed here do work," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "However, the act is outdated and we can use legislative reform to improve the process."

Written submissions are invited and should be sent to Judith Ferguson at the Department of Justice by March 31, 2000. The discussion paper is available online and those interested may respond electronically at http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/ or call 902-424-4030.