Acts and Regulations

C-23 - Coroners Act

Full text
Current to 13 December 2023
CHAPTER C-23
Coroners Act
Definitions
1In this Act
“child death” means the death of a person who is under the age of 19 years;(décès d’un enfant)
“child death review committee” means the child death review committee established by the Chief Coroner under subsection 42.1(1);(comité d’examen des décès d’enfants)
“Child, Youth and Senior Advocate” means Advocate as defined in the Child, Youth and Senior Advocate Act;(défenseur des enfants, des jeunes et des aînés)
“construction project site” means any building, structure, premises, water or land where construction is carried on;(chantier de construction)
“coroner” includes the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner and a regional coroner;(coroner)
“correctional institution” means a correctional institution as defined in the Corrections Act;(établissement de correction)
“death review committee” means the child death review committee or the domestic violence death review committee;(comité d’examen des décès)
“domestic violence death” means a death by homicide or suicide that results from conflict between parties to an intimate personal relationship, including the death of a child, another family member or a third party;(décès lié à la violence familiale)
“domestic violence death review committee” means the domestic violence death review committee established by the Chief Coroner under subsection 42.4(1);(comité d’examen des décès liés à la violence familiale )
“employer” means an employer as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act;(employeur )
“fish processing plant” means a place where fish are processed for sale;(usine de traitement de poisson)
“food processing plant” means a place where food, other than fish, is processed for sale;(usine de transformation des aliments)
“intimate personal relationship” means intimate personal relationship as defined in the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act;(relation personnelle intime)
“medical practitioner” means a person lawfully entitled to practice medicine in the Province and includes a medical officer of His Majesty’s Armed Forces serving in the Province;(médecin)
“mine” means a mine as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act;(mine)
“Minister” means the Minister of Public Safety and includes a person designated by the Minister to act on the Minister’s behalf;(Ministre)
“Office of the Attorney General” means the part of the Department of Justice and Office of the Attorney General that includes the Legal Services Branch, the Legislative Services Branch, the Family Crown Services Branch and the Public Prosecution Services Branch;(Cabinet du procureur général)
“peace officer” means(agent de la paix)
(a) the Chief Sheriff or a Deputy Chief Sheriff, regional sheriff, sheriff, deputy sheriff or sheriff’s officer,
(b) a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
(c) a police officer appointed under the Police Act, and
(d) for the purposes of section 5.1,
(i) a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c),
(ii) an officer of a correctional institution,
(iii) an employee of the Correctional Service of Canada who is designated as a peace officer under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Canada),
(iv) an auxiliary police officer or an auxiliary police constable appointed under the Police Act when accompanied by and acting under the supervision of a police officer, other than an auxiliary police officer, appointed under the Police Act or a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
(v) a person designated as a commercial vehicle inspector under the Highway Act,
(vi) a conservation officer appointed under the Fish and Wildlife Act or the Crown Lands and Forests Act,
(vii) an assistant conservation officer appointed under the Fish and Wildlife Act when accompanied by or acting under the immediate supervision of a conservation officer appointed under that Act,
(viii) an off-road vehicle enforcement officer appointed under the Off-Road Vehicle Act, and
(ix) in national parks established under the Canada National Parks Act (Canada), a park warden as defined in that Act;
“personal health information” means personal health information as defined in the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act;(renseignements personnels sur la santé)
“personal information” means personal information as defined in the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act;(renseignements personnels)
“place of secure custody” means a place of secure custody as defined in the Custody and Detention of Young Persons Act;(lieu de garde en milieu fermé)
“place of temporary detention” means a place of temporary detention as defined in the Custody and Detention of Young Persons Act;(lieu de détention temporaire)
“psychiatric facility” means a psychiatric facility as defined in the Mental Health Act;(établissement psychiatrique)
“research” means research as defined in the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act.(recherche)
R.S., c.41, s.1; 1966, c.41, s.1; 1971, c.20, s.1; 1981, c.59, s.27; 1987, c.N-5.2, s.20; 1988, c.8, s.1; 1988, c.11, s.15; 1988, c.42, s.19; 1988, c.67, s.3; 1999, c.11, s.1; 2000, c.26, s.78; 2008, c.18, s.1; 2016, c.37, s.37; 2019, c.2, s.28; 2020, c.25, s.32; 2020, c.27, s.1; 2022, c.28, s.8; 2023, c.4, s.1; 2023, c.17, s.45
Chief Coroner, Deputy Chief Coroner and Coroners
2(1)The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may appoint a person as Chief Coroner for the Province.
2(2)The Chief Coroner may appoint one or more persons as coroners for the Province.
2(3)The Chief Coroner
(a) shall be a coroner for the Province;
(b) shall act in a supervisory capacity with respect to coroners;
(c) shall perform such other duties with respect to the office of coroner throughout the Province as the Lieutenant-Governor in Council may direct by regulation;
(d) Repealed: 1981, c.15, s.1
(e) may recommend to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council the suspension or removal from office of any coroner.
2(4)Repealed: 1981, c.15, s.1
2(5)The Minister may designate one or more coroners to be a Deputy Chief Coroner for the Province, who shall perform any duty assigned by the Minister or by the Chief Coroner and who, when the position of Chief Coroner is vacant or when the Chief Coroner is unable to act by reason of interest, illness, absence or any other cause, shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Coroner.
R.S., c.41, s.2; 1966, c.41, s.1; 1971, c.20, s.1; 1981, c.15, s.1; 1988, c.8, s.2; 2020, c.27, s.2; 2023, c.4, s.2
Designation of regional coroner
2.1(1)The Minister may designate a coroner to be a regional coroner who shall have, subject to the direction of the Chief Coroner, general supervision of the coroners within one or more regions designated by the Minister and such other duties and powers as may be assigned by the Minister or by the Chief Coroner.
2.1(2)No designation made under subsection (1) affects the jurisdiction of a coroner for the Province to act anywhere in the Province.
1981, c.15, s.2; 1988, c.8, s.3
Oath or solemn affirmation of coroner
2023, c.4, s.3
3Before performing any of the duties or exercising any of the powers of a coroner, a coroner shall take an oath or make a solemn affirmation as follows: I, ___________________________________________, of _________________________________________ in the County of _________________________, do swear (or solemnly affirm) that I will faithfully, impartially and honestly perform the duties and exercise the powers of a coroner to the best of my ability. (In the case when an oath is taken, add “So help me God”)
R.S., c.41, s.3; 1971, c.20, s.2; 1983, c.4, s.2; 2023, c.4, s.4
Public duty to notify coroner
2023, c.4, s.5
4(1)Unless a person knows that a coroner has already been notified of the facts and circumstances relating to a death, the person shall immediately notify a coroner of the facts and circumstances if the person has reason to believe that the deceased person died
(a) as a result of
(i) violence,
(ii) an accident,
(iii) negligence,
(iv) misconduct, or
(v) malpractice,
(b) during or following pregnancy in circumstances that might reasonably be attributable to the pregnancy,
(c) suddenly and unexpectedly,
(d) from disease or sickness for which there was no treatment given by a medical practitioner, or
(e) from any cause other than disease, natural causes or medically assisted death.
4(2)Despite paragraph (1)(e), a person shall immediately notify a coroner of the facts and circumstances relating to a death if the person has reason to believe that the deceased person died from disease, natural causes or medically assisted death under circumstances that may require an investigation.
R.S., c.41, s.4; 1971, c.20, s.3; 1999, c.11, s.2; 2016, c.47, s.1; 2023, c.4, s.6
Undertaker
5(1)If a person has reason to believe that another person died in any of the circumstances mentioned in section 4, no person shall embalm, cremate, apply any chemical externally or internally to, or make any alteration of any kind to the body of the deceased or remove any part from the body of the deceased for the purposes of the Human Tissue Gift Act until a coroner so directs.
5(2)A person who violates or fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence punishable under Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act as a category I offence.
1971, c.20, s.4; 1990, c.61, s.28; 2004, c.H-12.5, s.13; 2023, c.4, s.7
Duty of peace officers to notify Chief Coroner
2023, c.4, s.8
5.1A peace officer shall immediately notify the Chief Coroner of the facts and circumstances relating to the death of a person who dies
(a) as a result of the use of force by a peace officer while on duty, or
(b) while detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.
2023, c.4, s.8
Duty of institutions to notify Chief Coroner
2023, c.4, s.8
5.2A person in charge of an institution referred to in this section shall immediately notify the Chief Coroner of the facts and circumstances relating to the death of a person who dies
(a) while a patient of a psychiatric facility,
(b) while detained in a correctional institution, penitentiary, place of secure custody or place of temporary detention, whether or not the person dies on the premises or in custody, or
(c) while a patient of a hospital facility if the patient was transferred to the hospital facility from an institution referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
2023, c.4, s.8
Duty to notify Chief Coroner – death in custody
2023, c.4, s.8
5.3If a person dies while in custody in accordance with the Family Services Act or the Child and Youth Well-Being Act, the person having actual custody of that person shall immediately notify the Chief Coroner of the facts and circumstances relating to the death.
2023, c.4, s.8; 2023, c.36, s.4
Death of prisoner, death in hospital facility
Repealed: 2023, c.4, s.9
2023, c.4, s.9
6Repealed: 2023, c.4, s.10
R.S., c.41, s.5; 1966, c.41, s.2; 1971, c.20, s.5; 1981, c.15, s.3; 1982, c.3, s.10; 1987, c.6, s.12; 1992, c.52, s.5; 1999, c.11, s.3; 2023, c.4, s.10
Death of employee
6.1An employer shall immediately give notice to a coroner of the death of a worker who died as a result of an accident occurring in the course of their employment at or in a woodland operation, sawmill, lumber processing plant, food processing plant, fish processing plant, construction project site, mining plant or mine, including a pit or quarry.
2008, c.18, s.2; 2023, c.4, s.11
Mandatory inquest
7A coroner shall hold an inquest
(a) when a judge of The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick, a member of the Executive Council or the Chief Coroner orders in writing that the coroner hold an inquest,
(a.1) when a person dies in a circumstance referred to in section 5.1 or 5.2, unless the coroner is satisfied that
(i) the death was due to natural causes and was not preventable and the public interest would not be served by holding an inquest into the death, or
(ii) there was no meaningful connection between the death and the nature or quality of the supervision or care provided to the person by reason of their status or circumstances as set out in section 5.1 or 5.2, or
(b) when a worker dies as a result of an accident occurring in the course of their employment at or in a woodland operation, sawmill, lumber processing plant, food processing plant, fish processing plant, construction project site, mining plant or mine, including a pit or quarry.
R.S., c.41, s.6; 1979, c.41, s.26; 2008, c.18, s.3; 2023, c.4, s.12
Power of Minister to order inquest
8(1)Where a person has been charged with a criminal offence arising out of a death, an inquest touching the death shall be held only upon the direction of the Minister.
8(2)Where during an inquest any person is charged with a criminal offence arising out of the death, the coroner shall discharge the jury and close the inquest, and shall then proceed as if the coroner had determined that an inquest was unnecessary, but the Minister may direct that the inquest be re-opened.
1957, c.27, s.1; 1971, c.20, s.6; 2023, c.4, s.13
Investigation by coroner after notification of death
9(1)Where a coroner is notified of a death under section 4, 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3, the coroner shall view the body and make any investigation that is required to enable the coroner to determine whether an inquest is necessary.
9(2)Where a coroner is of the opinion that an inquest, if any, could more conveniently be held by another coroner, the coroner shall immediately give notice of the death to the Chief Coroner.
9(3)Where the Chief Coroner is notified of a death, whether under subsection (2) or section 4, 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3, the Chief Coroner shall act or shall designate a coroner to act.
9(4)A coroner may direct any peace officer to assist in the investigation.
9(5)Every peace officer required under this section to assist a coroner in the investigation of a death shall, within such time as the coroner directs, submit to the coroner a report of the results of any investigation the peace officer may have conducted in respect of that death in a form acceptable to the coroner.
R.S., c.41, s.7; 1966, c.41, s.3; 1971, c.20, s.7; 1976, c.6, s.1; 2023, c.4, s.14
Powers of coroner, offence
9.1(1)A coroner or a peace officer required under section 9 to assist in the investigation of a death, if the coroner believes on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to do so for the purposes of an investigation under section 9, shall
(a) inspect any place in which the deceased person was, or in which the coroner or peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe the deceased person was, within a reasonable time prior to the deceased person’s death;
(b) inspect information in any records relating to the deceased person or the deceased person’s circumstances, notwithstanding that the information or records may be confidential under another Act;
(c) seize anything that the coroner or peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe is material to the investigation; and
(d) take such reasonable steps as the coroner considers necessary to ensure the preservation of the scene of the death, notwithstanding that such steps may derogate from the property or other private interest of any person.
9.1(2)Where anything is seized by a coroner or peace officer under subsection (1) the coroner or peace officer shall keep it in safe custody and shall return it to the person from whom it was seized as soon as the circumstances permit after the conclusion of the investigation or, if there is an inquest, after the conclusion of the inquest, unless the coroner or police officer is authorized or required by law to dispose of it otherwise.
9.1(2.1)A coroner may not preserve the scene of the death under paragraph (1)(d) for a period exceeding forty-eight hours, but the Chief Coroner may, in writing, extend such period
(a) for additional periods of up to forty-eight hours each, or
(b) where there is an inquest, until the conclusion of the inquest.
9.1(3)A person who without just cause interferes with a coroner or peace officer in the conduct of an investigation under section 9 commits an offence punishable under Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act as a category F offence.
9.1(4)Without limiting the application of subsection (3), a person who refuses to permit a coroner or peace officer to inspect information in any records as required under subsection (1) may be summoned to appear before the coroner with such records and upon neglect or refusal of such person to appear the provisions of sections 14, 16 and 18 apply mutatis mutandis.
9.1(5)If this section is inconsistent with or in conflict with a provision of the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, this section prevails.
1981, c.15, s.4; 1983, c.20, s.1; 1986, c.6, s.7; 1990, c.61, s.28; 2013, c.34, s.8; 2023, c.4, s.15
Entry warrant
9.2(1)Before or after attempting to enter any place under section 9.1, a coroner may apply for an entry warrant in accordance with the Entry Warrants Act.
9.2(2)A coroner to whom an entry warrant has been issued may search the place to which the warrant relates for the purpose of discovering material which may clarify the circumstances in which the deceased person died.
1986, c.6, s.8
Declaration of coroner, calling of coroner’s jury
10(1)Upon completing an investigation as to whether an inquest into a death is necessary, the coroner shall make a declaration before a commissioner for taking affidavits to be read in The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick of the coroner’s decision whether an inquest is necessary, together with the grounds for the decision, and shall immediately file the declaration with the Chief Coroner.
10(2)If a coroner decides that an inquest is necessary or if a coroner is required to hold an inquest under section 7, the coroner shall issue a warrant to a peace officer for summoning a sufficient number of persons, duly qualified as jurors under the Jury Act, to appear before the coroner at a specified time and place to form a jury of five persons to inquire into the death.
10(3)Only so many persons in excess of five shall be summoned as will be likely to form a jury after allowing for failures to attend or sufficient objection to qualification; and, if necessary to complete the jury, further jurors may be summoned at any time in like manner.
10(4)No person who has served on a jury at an inquest within the twelve months preceding the date of the coroner’s warrant shall be summoned by the peace officer or is qualified to be sworn by the coroner as a juror, except with the consent of the Chief Coroner in writing endorsed on the warrant, but, if such a person is sworn and serves as a juror, the inquest is not by that reason invalidated.
10(5)After an inquest has begun, it may continue notwithstanding that one or two jurors may become unable to act; but if three or more jurors become unable to act, the coroner shall issue a warrant for the summoning of a new jury and begin the inquest de novo.
R.S., c.41, s.8; 1966, c.41, s.4; 1971, c.20, s.7; 1979, c.41, s.26; 1994, c.74, s.59; 2008, c.18, s.4; 2019, c.12, s.5; 2023, c.4, s.16
More than one death
2023, c.4, s.17
10.1The Chief Coroner may direct a coroner to hold a single inquest in respect of more than one death if the Chief Coroner has reason to believe that the facts or circumstances relating to the deaths are sufficiently similar that separate inquests are not necessary.
2023, c.4, s.17
View of body by doctor
11(1)A coroner may, subject to directions from the Chief Coroner, authorize and direct a medical practitioner, or a peace officer, to take possession of the body, view the body and make such further investigation as is required to enable the coroner to determine whether an inquest is necessary and to report to the coroner.
11(2)Upon receipt of the report the coroner shall proceed as if the coroner had viewed the body and made the investigation.
1963 (2nd Sess.), c.14, s.1; 1971, c.20, s.7; 1999, c.11, s.4; 2023, c.4, s.18
Service of jurors
12The peace officer upon receiving a warrant mentioned in subsection 10(2) shall forthwith summon the number of jurors named therein by delivering to each a summons.
R.S., c.41, s.9; 1971, c.20, s.8
Summons of witnesses
13(1)The coroner may issue a summons to any person who in the coroner’s opinion is able to give material evidence as to the cause of death, or as to any other matter to be inquired of at the inquest, which summons shall be served in the same manner as a summons to witness by any peace officer in any county without being backed.
13(2)The original summons may contain the names of any number of witnesses, but a copy thereof may contain the name of that witness only upon whom it is to be served.
R.S., c.41, s.10; 1971, c.20, s.9; 1986, c.4, s.9; 2023, c.4, s.19
Neglect or refusal to appear
14If a person after being served a summons under section 13 neglects or refuses to appear as a witness at the time and place mentioned, the coroner, upon such service being proved by oath, solemn affirmation or affidavit, may issue to a peace officer a warrant commanding that the person be apprehended and brought before the coroner, which warrant may be executed by a peace officer anywhere in the Province.
R.S., c.41, s.11; 1966, c.41, s.5; 1971, c.20, s.10; 2019, c.12, s.5; 2023, c.4, s.20
Offence respecting disclosure of juror’s identity
2023, c.4, s.21
14.1(1)Unless the Chief Coroner otherwise orders, no person shall publish, broadcast or transmit information that could disclose the identity of a juror.
14.1(2)A person who violates or fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence punishable under Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act as a category I offence.
2023, c.4, s.21
Offences and penalty respecting non-attendance by juror
15When a person duly served as a juror does not after being openly called three times appear to such summons, or appearing refuses without reasonable excuse to serve as a juror, the coroner may impose on such person a fine not exceeding the maximum fine that may be imposed under subsection 56(5) of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act for a category E offence.
R.S., c.41, s.12; 1966, c.41, s.5; 1990, c.61, s.28
Offences and penalty respecting non-attendance of witness
16If a person duly summoned to give evidence does not appear to the summons after being openly called three times or the person appears to the summons but refuses without reasonable excuse to answer a question put to them, the coroner may impose on the person a fine not exceeding the maximum fine that may be imposed under subsection 56(6) of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act for a category F offence.
R.S., c.41, s.13; 1966, c.41, s.5; 1971, c.20, s.11; 1990, c.61, s.28; 2023, c.4, s.22
Power of coroner respecting person convicted of an offence
17A person who has been convicted of an offence under this Act shall not be proceeded against by the coroner under any power existing independently of this Act.
R.S., c.41, s.14; 1990, c.61, s.28
Repealed
18Repealed: 1990, c.61, s.28
R.S., c.41, s.15; 1966, c.41, s.6; 1971, c.20, s.12, 13; 1990, c.61, s.28
Oath or solemn affirmation of witnesses
2019, c.12, s.5
19The coroner shall administer an oath or solemn affirmation to each witness in the manner provided in the Evidence Act.
R.S., c.41, s.16; 1971, c.20, s.14; 1979, c.41, s.26; 2019, c.12, s.5
Oath or solemn affirmation of jurors
2019, c.12, s.5
20(1)The coroner shall administer an oath or solemn affirmation to each juror to inquire diligently touching the death of the person on whose body the inquest is about to be held and to give a true verdict according to the evidence.
20(2)Before administering an oath or solemn affirmation under subsection (1), the coroner shall examine the person under oath or solemn affirmation to determine if the person is qualified to serve as a juror.
20(3)The coroner shall attach to the inquisition a certificate stating that the coroner examined and found each person named in the certificate to be qualified to serve as a juror.
R.S., c.41, s.17; 1971, c.20, s.15, 16; 2019, c.12, s.5
Open court or in camera inquest
21The place where an inquest is being held shall be deemed to be a court, and, as such, open to the public, but the coroner may at any time during the proceedings exclude the public from such place and proceed with closed doors.
R.S., c.41, s.18
Assistance of Crown Prosecutor
22The coroner, when the coroner deems it necessary, may request a crown prosecutor to attend and assist at any inquest.
R.S., c.41, s.19; 1966, c.41, s.7; 2023, c.4, s.23
View
23(1)The coroner and jury shall, at the first sittings of the inquest view the body, after which the coroner shall examine under oath or solemn affirmation all persons who tender their evidence respecting the facts touching the death, and all persons whom the coroner thinks expedient to examine as being likely to have knowledge of relevant facts.
23(2)It is not necessary for a jury to view the body upon which an inquest is being held if the coroner directs that the viewing of the body is dispensed with.
R.S., c.41, s.20; 1963 (2nd Sess.), c.14, s.2; 1971, c.20, s.17; 2019, c.12, s.5; 2023, c.4, s.24
Taking of evidence
24(1)The evidence given at an inquest held by a coroner shall be recorded in accordance with the Recording of Evidence Act.
24(2)The stenographer or any other person in charge of recording the evidence shall before acting make oath or solemn affirmation that they will truly and faithfully record the evidence given at the inquest.
24(3)It is not necessary to transcribe the evidence unless the Chief Coroner orders it to be done or unless any other person orders a copy of the transcript.
24(4)Except where otherwise required by the Criminal Code (Canada), the coroner shall, as soon as possible after the holding of an inquest, file with the Chief Coroner
(a) the inquisition,
(b) a transcript of the evidence if the evidence has been transcribed, and
(c) a recording of the evidence made in accordance with the Recording of Evidence Act.
R.S., c.41, s.21; 1966, c.41, s.8, 9; 1971, c.20, s.18, 19; 2009, c.R-4.5, s.21; 2023, c.4, s.25
Recommendations of coroner or jury
25(1)The coroner or jury may make recommendations as to any action that should be taken to prevent further injury or death in circumstances similar to those involved in the death that was the subject of the inquest, and the coroner shall attach any such recommendations to the inquisition.
25(2)The Chief Coroner shall report any recommendations referred to in subsection (1) together with any comments the Chief Coroner may wish to make on these recommendations to any department or agency of Canada, the Province or a local government, and to any company or other person, where the Chief Coroner has reason to believe such department, agency, company or person should be concerned with the subject matter of the recommendations.
R.S., c.41, s.22; 1966, c.41, s.10; 1971, c.20, s.20; 2005, c.7, s.17; 2017, c.20, s.43; 2023, c.4, s.26
Verdict of jury
26After viewing the body where a view is held and after hearing the evidence and the summing up of the coroner, the jury shall give their verdict and certify it by an inquisition under the hand and seal of the coroner and under the hands of the jury setting forth, so far as such particulars have been proved to them, who the deceased was and how and when the deceased died.
R.S., c.41, s.23; 1963 (2nd Sess.), c.14, s.3; 1971, c.20, s.21; 2023, c.4, s.27
Inquest without view
27(1)Where a coroner is satisfied that the death of a person has occurred, but either from the nature of the event causing the death or for any other reason neither the body nor any part thereof that the coroner or jury can view can be found or recovered, the coroner may, with the consent in writing of the Chief Coroner, hold an inquest without any view of the body, in the same manner in all other respects as inquests are held under this Act.
27(2)Where a person has died outside New Brunswick, but there is reason to believe death resulted from the occurrence within New Brunswick of circumstances referred to in section 4, the Chief Coroner may, with the consent in writing of the Minister, hold or direct a coroner to hold an inquest in the same manner as inquests are held under this Act, and such inquest may be held without any view of the body if a view cannot conveniently be arranged.
R.S., c.41, s.24; 1966, c.41, s.11; 1971, c.20, s.22
Exhumation of body
27.1(1)Notwithstanding anything in the Cemetery Companies Act, the Minister may, at any time that the Minister considers it necessary for the purposes of an investigation or an inquest, direct that a body be exhumed under and subject to such conditions as the Minister considers proper.
27.1(2)Notwithstanding anything in the Cemetery Companies Act, where a coroner has issued a warrant under subsection 10(2), the Chief Coroner may direct that the body that is the subject of the inquest be exhumed under and subject to such conditions as the Chief Coroner considers proper.
27.1(3)Subject to subsection 2(5) and subsection (2), no coroner may direct that a body be exhumed.
1988, c.8, s.4; 2023, c.4, s.28
Inquest without view
28When the body of a person upon whom it is necessary to hold an inquest has been buried and it is known to the coroner that no good purpose will be effected by exhuming the same for the purposes of the inquest, the Chief Coroner may, either on application to the Chief Coroner or on the Chief Coroner’s own motion, under the Chief Coroner’s hand give permission to the coroner who is about to hold the inquest to proceed therewith without exhuming the body or having a view thereof.
R.S., c.41, s.25; 1971, c.20, s.23; 1988, c.8, s.5; 2023, c.4, s.29
Failure of jury to reach verdict
29(1) A verdict of the jury is not required to be unanimous, but it must be returned by a majority of the jurors.
29(2)If a majority of the jurors cannot agree on a verdict, the coroner shall
(a) submit the evidence taken at the inquest, together with the findings, if any, agreed on by a majority of the jurors, to the Chief Coroner, and
(b) discharge the jury.
29(3)At any time after the jury is discharged under paragraph (2)(b), the Chief Coroner may order the coroner to summon another jury and hold a second inquest, with or without a view of the body as the Chief Coroner considers appropriate.
R.S., c.41, s.26; 1971, c.20, s.24; 2023, c.4, s.30
Summons of doctor
30The coroner may, before holding an inquest, issue a summons to the medical practitioner who attended the deceased at or immediately before the deceased’s death, or if no medical practitioner attended, then to any medical practitioner required to attend the inquest as a witness.
R.S., c.41, s.27; 1971, c.20, s.25; 2023, c.4, s.31
Post-mortem examination
31(1)The coroner may, before or during an inquest, by summons direct a medical practitioner to make a post-mortem examination of the body of the deceased with or without an analysis of the contents of the stomach or intestines.
31(2)If a person states under oath or solemn affirmation before the coroner that the person believes the death of the deceased was caused partly or entirely by the improper or negligent treatment of a medical practitioner or other person, such medical practitioner or other person shall not be allowed to make, or assist at, the post-mortem examination.
31(3)A medical practitioner holding a post-mortem examination shall prepare a complete and detailed report of the work done and of the result of the medical practitioner’s findings, give a copy of the report to the coroner and file a copy of the report with the nearest regional health authority as defined in the Regional Health Authorities Act.
31(4)Where the coroner, after receipt of the post-mortem report, decides that an inquest is unnecessary, the coroner shall file the report with the Chief Coroner together with an affidavit setting out the facts that in the coroner’s opinion necessitated the holding of the post-mortem examination.
R.S., c.41, s.28; 1966, c.41, s.12; 1971, c.20, s.26; 1992, c.52, s.5; 2002, c.1, s.4; 2019, c.12, s.5; 2023, c.4, s.32
Post-mortem examination by medical practitioner named by majority of jury
32If a majority of a jury sitting at an inquest are of opinion that the cause of death has not been satisfactorily explained by the evidence of the medical practitioner and other witnesses brought before them, they may in writing require the coroner to summon as a witness some other medical practitioner named by them, and further to direct a post-mortem examination of the deceased, with or without an examination of the contents of the stomach or intestines, to be made by the last mentioned practitioner, whether an examination has been previously made or not, and the coroner shall comply with such requisition.
R.S., c.41, s.29
Payment of medical practitioner who attends as a witness
33A medical practitioner who attends as a witness shall be paid, upon the order of the coroner, according to the schedule of fees under this Act, but no payment for a post-mortem examination shall be allowed unless such examination is made by direction of a coroner.
R.S., c.41, s.30; 1966, c.41, s.14
Payment of medical officer of public institution
34Where an inquest is held on the body of a person dying in a public institution, the medical officer of the institution shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration under this Act, except for a post-mortem examination and attendance to give evidence thereon if required as aforesaid.
R.S., c.41, s.31
Respecting failure of doctor to appear to summons
35A medical practitioner who without sufficient cause refuses to attend on a summons issued under this Act commits an offence punishable under Part 2 of the Provincial Offences Procedure Act as a category F offence.
R.S., c.41, s.32; 1966, c.41, s.15; 1990, c.61, s.28; 2023, c.4, s.33
Authorization to bury body before verdict
36A coroner upon holding an inquest may, if the coroner thinks fit after a view of the body by the jurors, by order under the coroner’s hand, authorize the body to be buried before verdict.
R.S., c.41, s.33; 2023, c.4, s.34
Warrant for burial, burial by peace officer, burial by order of coroner
37(1)After an inquest the coroner shall grant a warrant for the burial of the deceased, which shall be delivered to any of the deceased’s relatives or friends who wish to take charge of the burial.
37(2)If no person undertakes to bury the deceased, the coroner shall direct a peace officer to bury the body in a decent manner using proper economy and to render an account of the expense therefor to the coroner, which, with the peace officer’s fees for burying the body shall be paid to the peace officer out of the Consolidated Fund on the recommendation of the Chief Coroner stating that the charge is reasonable and proper.
37(3)The coroner, after view, may order a body that cannot be identified to be removed to such place as the coroner may direct, and, if necessary, have the same prepared for burial, and the expenses of such removal, or removal and preparation for burial, shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund upon the coroner certifying that such charges are just and reasonable.
R.S., c.41, s.34; 1966, c.41, s.16, 17, 18; 1971, c.20, s.28; 2023, c.4, s.35
Placement of coroner at inquest
38(1)The Chief Coroner may take over or transfer to another coroner the conduct of any investigation or inquest into a death at any stage thereof before a verdict of the jury.
38(2)The coroner assuming conduct of any investigation or inquest under subsection (1) shall be seized with exclusive jurisdiction in the matter, subject to further directions by the Chief Coroner under subsection (1), and shall be deemed to be substituted for the coroner who originally undertook the investigation or inquest.
38(3)The coroner assuming the conduct of any investigation or inquest from another coroner may continue the proceedings already commenced or may commence new proceedings.
38(4)Where the coroner assuming the conduct of any investigation or inquest commences new proceedings, anything previously done in connection with the investigation or inquest shall be of no effect.
R.S., c.41, s.35; 1971, c.20, s.29; 2023, c.4, s.36
Order of judge respecting inquest
39(1)Where The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick, or a judge thereof, upon application made by or under the authority of the Minister, is satisfied
(a) that a coroner refuses or neglects to hold an inquest that should be held, or
(b) where an inquest has been held and, by reason of fraud, rejection of evidence, irregularity of proceedings, insufficiency of inquiry, or otherwise, it is necessary or desirable in the interests of justice that another inquest be held,
the court or judge may order an inquest to be held, and that the coroner pay such costs of and incidental to the application as to the court or judge may seem just; and where an inquest has been already held, may quash the inquisition.
39(2)The court or judge may order that such inquest be held by any coroner.
39(3)Upon an inquest so ordered it shall not be necessary, unless the court or judge otherwise orders, to view the body, but save as aforesaid, the inquest shall be held in like manner in all respects as any other inquest under this Act.
R.S., c.41, s.36; 1966, c.41, s.19; 1971, c.20, s.30; 1979, c.41, s.26; 2023, c.17, s.45
Interpreter
40A witness may be examined through an interpreter to whom the coroner shall administer an oath or solemn affirmation to well and truly interpret the oath or solemn affirmation and the questions put to the witness and the answers to those questions.
R.S., c.41, s.38; 1971, c.20, s.31; 2019, c.12, s.5
Jurisdiction of judge
41Nothing in this Act affects the jurisdiction of a judge of The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick exercising the jurisdiction of a coroner by virtue of the office.
R.S., c.41, s.39; 1979, c.41, s.26; 2023, c.4, s.37
Power of coroner to issue warrant for burial
42Where it appears to the coroner that an inquest is not necessary, the coroner may, without an inquest, immediately issue a warrant for burial.
R.S., c.41, s.42; 1966, c.41, s.22; 1971, c.20, s.32; 2023, c.4, s.38
Child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.1(1)The Chief Coroner shall establish a child death review committee for the following purposes: 
(a) reviewing the facts and circumstances of child deaths in the Province;
(b) identifying and monitoring trends and risk factors in child deaths;
(c) advising the Chief Coroner on medical, legal, social and other matters to improve the safety of children and prevent the occurrence of child deaths;
(d) determining whether further evaluation of a child death is necessary or desirable in the public interest; and
(e) any other purposes that may be prescribed by regulation.
42.1(2)The child death review committee shall consist of at least seven members appointed by the Chief Coroner, including the following persons:
(a) a coroner;
(b) a police officer nominated by the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police;
(c) two persons registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick;
(d) a member in good standing of the Law Society of New Brunswick;
(e) a person who represents the interests of a group of aboriginal people;
(f) a member in good standing of the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers.
42.1(3)The child death review committee shall perform the duties and functions assigned by the Chief Coroner, this Act and the regulations.
2020, c.27, s.3
Terms of office of the child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.11(1)A member of the child death review committee shall be appointed
(a) for a term of up to five years, or
(b) for a limited period of time in respect of a particular matter.
42.11(2)A member of the child death review committee may be reappointed.
42.11(3)Despite the expiry of their terms, members of the child death review committee may continue to serve until they resign or are reappointed or replaced.
42.11(4)Despite subsection (3), a member of the child death review committee may be removed for cause by the Chief Coroner.
42.11(5)If a vacancy occurs on the child death review committee, the Chief Coroner may appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy for the balance of the term of the member replaced.
42.11(6)In the case of a temporary absence, illness or incapacity to act of any member of the child death review committee, the Chief Coroner may appoint a qualified person as a substitute for the member for the period of the temporary absence, illness or incapacity.
42.11(7)A vacancy on the child death review committee does not impair the capacity of the committee to act.
2020, c.27, s.3
Chair and Vice-Chair of the child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.12(1)The coroner appointed under paragraph 42.1(2)(a) shall be the Chair of the child death review committee.
42.12(2)The members of the child death review committee shall appoint a member of the committee to be the Vice-Chair who shall perform the duties and functions directed by the committee.
2020, c.27, s.3
Meetings of the child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.2(1)At the request of the Chair, the child death review committee shall meet as often as is necessary for the proper exercise of its duties and functions.
42.2(2)Subject to subsection (3), the Chair or, in the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall preside at the meetings of the child death review committee.
42.2(3)If the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent from a meeting of the child death review committee, the members who are present may elect from among themselves a person to preside at the meeting.
2020, c.27, s.3
Procedures for a child death review
2020, c.27, s.3
42.21(1)The Chief Coroner, after consulting the members of the child death review committee, shall determine, amend or revoke the terms of reference of the committee and the procedure for a review.
42.21(2)Subject to this Act and the terms of reference determined under subsection (1), the child death review committee may
(a) regulate its own review procedure,
(b) hear or obtain information from any person and make inquiries related to a review, and
(c) engage experts to advise on any matter related to the review.
42.21(3)Despite subsection (2), no right to a hearing is established by this section.
2020, c.27, s.3
Commencement of a child death review
2020, c.27, s.3
42.22(1)Each month, the Chief Coroner shall report to the child death review committee all child deaths of which a coroner has been notified under this Act.
42.22(2)The child death review committee shall review a child death only when
(a) an investigation under section 9 has been completed,
(b) an inquest, if any, has been held, and
(c) a criminal investigation and criminal court proceedings, if any, have been completed.
2020, c.27, s.3
Review and recommendations of the child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.3(1)With the approval of the Chief Coroner, the child death review committee may conduct a review of a child death.
42.3(2)The Chief Coroner may require the child death review committee to review a child death reported under subsection 42.22(1).
42.3(3)Every member of a child death review committee shall comply with the provisions respecting conflict of interest that are prescribed by regulation.
42.3(4)After a child death review has been conducted, the child death review committee shall submit a report to the Chief Coroner, which shall address the relevant facts and circumstances and its recommendations.
42.3(5)The child death review committee may make recommendations as to any action that should be taken to prevent further injury or death in circumstances similar to those addressed in the report.
2020, c.27, s.3
Report of the child death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.31(1)A report made under subsection 42.3(4) shall be in a form acceptable to the Chief Coroner.
42.31(2)The child death review committee shall provide a copy of the report to the Chief Coroner within 120 days of commencing the review.
42.31(3)Despite subsection (2), the Chief Coroner may, before or after expiry of the limitation period, extend the period for providing the report if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for an extension.
42.31(4)The child death review committee shall not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law in its report.
2020, c.27, s.3
Report and recommendations
2020, c.27, s.3
42.32(1)The Chief Coroner shall provide a copy of a report referred to in subsection 42.3(4), together with the Chief Coroner’s comments, if any, in response to the recommendations,
(a) to any department or agency of Canada, the Province or a local government, and to any other person, when the Chief Coroner has reason to believe the department, agency or person should be concerned with the subject matter of the recommendations, and
(b) to the Child, Youth and Senior Advocate.
42.32(2)The Chief Coroner may refer a child death to the Child, Youth and Senior Advocate for review or investigation.
42.32(3)Within six months of receiving a report referred to in subsection 42.3(4), the Chief Coroner shall provide to the Minister the recommendations made in the report, and the comments made by the Chief Coroner, if any, in response to the recommendations.
42.32(4)As soon as possible after receiving the recommendations made in the report and the comments made by the Chief Coroner, the Minister shall lay them before the Legislative Assembly if it is then sitting, and if it is not, the Minister shall file them with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
2020, c.27, s.3
Domestic violence review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.4(1)The Chief Coroner shall establish a domestic violence death review committee for the following purposes: 
(a) identifying and monitoring trends and risk factors in domestic violence deaths;
(b) determining whether further evaluation of the death of a person from domestic violence is necessary or desirable in the public interest;
(c) advising the Chief Coroner on medical, legal, social and other matters to improve safety and prevent the occurrence of deaths from domestic violence; and
(d) any other purposes that may be prescribed by regulation.
42.4(2)The domestic violence death review committee shall consist of at least nine members appointed by the Chief Coroner, including the following persons:
(a) a coroner;
(b) a police officer nominated by the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police;
(c) a member in good standing of the Law Society of New Brunswick who is acting as a Crown prosecutor for the Public Prosecution Services Branch of the Office of the Attorney General;
(d) a person registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick;
(e) a person who is a member of the faculty of a public university in the Province and researches domestic violence;
(f) a person who represents the interests of a group of aboriginal people;
(g) an employee of the Women’s Equality Branch of the Executive Council Office;
(h) a member in good standing of the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers;
(i) an employee of a transition house, second stage housing or another organization that administers or delivers a program related to domestic violence or sexual violence.
42.4(3)The domestic violence death review committee shall perform the duties and functions assigned by the Chief Coroner, this Act and the regulations.
2020, c.27, s.3
Terms of office for the domestic violence death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.41(1)A member of the domestic violence death review committee shall be appointed
(a) for a term of up to five years, or
(b) for a limited period of time in respect of a particular matter.
42.41(2)A member of the domestic violence death review committee may be reappointed.
42.41(3)Despite the expiry of their terms, members of the domestic violence death review committee may continue to serve until they resign or are reappointed or replaced.
42.41(4)Despite subsection (3), a member of the domestic violence death review committee may be removed for cause by the Chief Coroner.
42.41(5)If a vacancy occurs on the domestic violence death review committee, the Chief Coroner may appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy for the balance of the term of the member replaced.
42.41(6)In the case of a temporary absence, illness or incapacity to act of any member of the domestic violence death review committee, the Chief Coroner may appoint a qualified person as a substitute for the member for the period of the temporary absence, illness or incapacity.
42.41(7)A vacancy on the domestic violence death review committee does not impair the capacity of the domestic violence death review committee to act.
2020, c.27, s.3
Chair and Vice-Chair of the domestic violence death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.42(1)The coroner appointed under paragraph 42.4(2)(a) shall be the Chair of the domestic violence death review committee.
42.42(2)The members of the domestic violence death review committee shall appoint a member of the committee to be the Vice-Chair who shall perform the duties and functions directed by the committee.
2020, c.27, s.3
Meetings of the domestic violence death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.5(1)At the request of the Chair, the domestic violence death review committee shall meet as often as is necessary for the proper exercise of its duties and functions.
42.5(2)Subject to subsection (3), the Chair or, in the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall preside at the meetings of the domestic violence death review committee.
42.5(3)If the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent from a meeting of the domestic violence death review committee, the members who are present may elect from among themselves a person to preside at the meeting.
2020, c.27, s.3
Procedures for a domestic violence death review
2020, c.27, s.3
42.51(1)The Chief Coroner, after consulting with the members of the domestic violence death review committee, shall determine, amend or revoke the terms of reference of the committee and the procedure for a review.
42.51(2)Subject to this Act and the terms of reference determined under subsection (1), the domestic violence death review committee may
(a) regulate its own review procedure,
(b) hear or obtain information from any person and make inquiries related to the review, and
(c) engage experts to advise on any matter related to the review.
42.51(3)Despite subsection (2), no right to a hearing is established by this section.
2020, c.27, s.3
Commencement of a domestic violence death review
2020, c.27, s.3
42.52When an investigation under section 9 has been completed and the Chief Coroner has determined that domestic violence was a factor in the death, the Chief Coroner shall report the death to the domestic violence death review committee.
2020, c.27, s.3
Review and recommendations of the domestic violence death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.6(1)With the approval of the Chief Coroner, the domestic violence death review committee may conduct a review of a domestic violence death.
42.6(2)The Chief Coroner may require the domestic violence death review committee to review a domestic violence death reported under section 42.52.
42.6(3)Every member of a domestic violence death review committee shall comply with the provisions respecting conflict of interest that are prescribed by regulation.
42.6(4)After a domestic violence death review has been conducted, the domestic violence death review committee shall submit a report to the Chief Coroner, which shall include the relevant facts and circumstances and its recommendations.
42.6(5)The domestic violence death review committee may make recommendations as to any action that should be taken to prevent further injury or death in circumstances similar to those addressed in the report.
2020, c.27, s.3
Report of the domestic violence death review committee
2020, c.27, s.3
42.61(1)A report made under subsection 42.6(4) shall be in a form acceptable to the Chief Coroner.
42.61(2)The domestic violence death review committee shall provide a copy of the report to the Chief Coroner within 120 days of commencing a review.
42.61(3)Despite subsection (2), the Chief Coroner may, before or after the expiration of the limitation period, extend the period for providing the report if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for an extension.
42.61(4)The domestic violence death review committee shall not make any finding of legal responsibility or express any conclusion of law in its report.
2020, c.27, s.3
Report and recommendations
2020, c.27, s.3
42.62(1)The Chief Coroner shall provide a copy of a report referred to in subsection 42.6(4), together with the Chief Coroner’s comments, if any, in response to the recommendations to any department or agency of Canada, the Province or a local government, and to any other person, when the Chief Coroner has reason to believe the department, agency or person should be concerned with the subject matter of the recommendations.
42.62(2)Within six months of receiving a report referred to in subsection 42.6(4), the Chief Coroner shall provide to the Minister the recommendations made in the report, and the comments made by the Chief Coroner, if any, in response to the recommendations.
42.62(3)As soon as possible after receiving the recommendations made in the report and the comments made by the Chief Coroner, the Minister shall lay them before the Legislative Assembly if it is then sitting, and if it is not, the Minister shall file them with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.
2020, c.27, s.3
Access to information
2020, c.27, s.3
42.7(1)The Chief Coroner and a peace officer shall disclose information, including personal information or personal health information, collected during an investigation or an inquest to a death review committee for the purposes of a child death review or a domestic violence death review, as the case may be, without the consent of the individual to whom the information relates.
42.7(2)Despite any other Act, but subject to subsection (4), a death review committee has a right to all information and documents that are necessary to enable the death review committee to perform the duties and functions and exercise the powers under this Act.
42.7(3)Subject to subsection (4), if the Chief Coroner requests a person to provide information relating to a death being reviewed by a death review committee, the person shall provide the information and produce any documents that, in the opinion of the Chief Coroner, relate to the review and that are in the possession or under the control of the person.
42.7(4)A death review committee does not have a right to information or documents protected by a claim of privilege.
2020, c.27, s.3
Confidentiality of information
2020, c.27, s.3
42.71(1)Despite the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act, but subject to section 42.72, a statement, declaration, record or document provided to a death review committee in the course of a death review is confidential and shall not be communicated to any person other than the Chief Coroner without the written authorization of the Minister.
42.71(2)Failure by a member of a death review committee to comply with subsection (1) is sufficient grounds for dismissal from the committee as the Chief Coroner considers appropriate.
2020, c.27, s.3
Disclosure of information
2020, c.27, s.3
42.72The Chief Coroner may disclose information, including personal information and personal health information, collected during an investigation or inquest or collected by a death review committee
(a) to the government of another province or territory of Canada for any purpose prescribed by regulation,
(b) to a person conducting a research project, if the project has been approved under section 43 of the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act, or
(c) to a research data centre in accordance with section 43.1 of that Act.
2020, c.27, s.3
Remuneration and reimbursement
2020, c.27, s.3
42.8(1)The Chief Coroner shall fix the remuneration of a member of a death review committee who does not hold a full-time position in the Public Service as defined in the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
42.8(2)Members of a death review committee are entitled to be reimbursed for accommodation, meal and travel expenses reasonably incurred in connection with their duties and functions on the committee in accordance with the Treasury Board travel policy guidelines, as amended.
2020, c.27, s.3
Non-compellability
2020, c.27, s.3
42.81The following persons are not compellable to give evidence in any court or in any proceeding of a judicial nature concerning any information that comes to their knowledge solely in the exercise of the powers or performance of their duties and functions under this Act:
(a) members and former members of the child death review committee; and
(b) members and former members of the domestic violence death review committee.
2020, c.27, s.3
Inadmissibility of evidence
2020, c.27, s.3
42.9Except on the trial of any person for an offence in respect of the person’s sworn testimony, no statement made or answer or evidence given by that or any other person solely in the course of any review by a death review committee is admissible in evidence against any person in any court or at any inquiry or in any other proceedings.
2020, c.27, s.3
Immunity and indemnity
2020, c.27, s.3
42.91(1)No action or other proceeding for damages or otherwise lies or shall be instituted and no proceeding shall be taken in any court, whether by way of injunction, declaratory judgment, order on judicial review or otherwise, against any of the following persons in relation to anything they have done in good faith, or in relation to anything omitted in good faith, under this Act: 
(a) members and former members of the child death review committee; and
(b) members and former members of the domestic violence death review committee.
42.91(2)The following persons shall be indemnified by the Crown in right of the Province against all costs, charges and expenses incurred by them in relation to any action, application or other proceeding brought against them in connection with their duties and functions and with respect to all other costs, charges and expenses incurred by them in connection with those duties and functions, except costs, charges and expenses that are occasioned by their wilful neglect or wilful default:
(a) members and former members of the child death review committee; and
(b) members and former members of the domestic violence death review committee.
2020, c.27, s.3
Annual report of Chief Coroner
43(1)The Chief Coroner shall file an annual report with the Minister on the administration of this Act, including the following: 
(a) a report of inquests held and investigations of deaths in which no inquests were held during the year;
(b) a report of child death reviews conducted;
(c) a report of domestic violence death reviews conducted; and
(d) recommendations that the Chief Coroner may have arising out of inquests held and child death reviews and domestic violence reviews conducted during the year.
43(2)The Minister shall table the report of the Chief Coroner in the Legislative Assembly not later than the tenth sitting day of the Legislative Assembly after the Minister receives the report.
R.S., c.41, s.43; 1966, c.41, s.22; 1971, c.20, s.33; 2020, c.27, s.4
Application of Act
44Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this Act shall be taken to restrict the jurisdiction, powers and authority of coroners at common law and all proceedings both before, at the time of, and subsequent to any coroner’s inquest shall be commenced, carried on and completed in the same manner as has heretofore been the practice, except where otherwise expressly provided by this Act.
R.S., c.41, s.48
Regulations
45The Lieutenant-Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) establishing a schedule of fees and allowances under this Act;
(b) prescribing the duties of the Chief Coroner and regulating the duties of coroners;
(b.1) prescribing duties and functions of a death review committee for the purposes of subsection 42.1 and 42.4;
(b.2) respecting conflicts of interest pertaining to members of a death review committee, including the circumstances that constitute a conflict of interest, the disclosure of a conflict of interest and the manner in which a conflict of interest is to be dealt with;
(b.3) prescribing purposes for the purpose of section 42.72;
(b.4) defining any word or expression used in but not defined in this Act, for the purposes of this Act, the regulations, or both;
(c) prescribing forms to be used under this Act; and
(d) generally for the better administration of this Act.
1966, c.41, s.24; 1971, c.20, s.34; 2020, c.27, s.5
N.B. This Act is consolidated to December 13, 2023.