Coroner Géhane Kamel, already in charge of a committee on mortality in Indigenous communities, will be responsible for the public inquiry into the death of Joyce Echaquan.
The Legault government made the request on Saturday amid mounting calls for justice for the Echaquan family.
The 37-year old mother of seven, died on Sept. 28 at the Joliette Hospital, after suffering degrading insults from two employees. Shortly before her death, Echaquan of the Atikamekw community of Manawan, captured the interaction on her cell phone and posted the video live on Facebook.
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Quebec’s chief coroner Pascale Déry, said Wednesday that she has appointed Kamel, a lawyer, to conduct the inquest.
“It is appropriate for Kamel to preside over this investigation since she is also responsible for the Committee on Mortality in Native and Inuit Communities, a multi-party committee recently set up by the Coroner’s Office,” said Descary.
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Quebec premier meets with Atikamekw chiefs following death of Joyce Echaquan in Joliette hospital -
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Quebec Premier apologizes for racist treatment of Joyce Echaquan -
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Protesters march through Montreal calling for justice for Joyce Echaquan -
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Joyce Echaquan’s family taking legal action -
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Joyce Echaquan’s family announces legal action against Joliette hospital, staff -
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Joyce Echaquan’s family calls for justice after her death
Counsel for the case will be Dave Kimpton, who will be seconded by Julie Roberge.
A public inquest allows the coroner to summon witnesses and hear from interested parties.
The objective, however, is not to rule on the civil or criminal liability of anyone, but rather to determine the causes and circumstances of death and to formulate, if necessary, recommendations in order to avoid further deaths
The hearings will take place in 2021.
— With files from The Canadian Press’ Stephanie Marin and Global’s Annabelle Olivier
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