Release of Information

• The Coroner may release information pertaining to the death to the next-of-kin.
• Prior to completing his/her investigation, the Coroner may release to the media, only the basic facts of a case, making no personal comments or opinions. Press releases should not contain comments relating to the findings to be determined by inquest or inquiry.
• Media questions regarding murder or suspicious deaths shall be directed to the investigating member of the RCMP.
• The Coroner shall not make public, comment, or participate in an interview once the Coroner’s Report or Inquest has been completed. It is inappropriate for a Coroner to respond to questions regarding the circumstances, thoughts, or reasons surrounding his judicial decisions or the findings of the jury.
• The Chief Coroner may release information pertaining to a death to the next-of-kin or investigative agencies for such purposes as the processing of life insurance policies, etc. This should be done but only with the prior approval of the next-of-kin or personal representative of the deceased.
• The file shall be available prior to the inquest for review by agents, counsel, or persons with standing. The Coroner or Chief Coroner will not make available reports of other agencies without obtaining prior approval. Those interested in outside Agency reports should be advised to contact the relevant agency.
• Any release of documents to other than the next-of-kin shall be done at the conclusion of the investigation by the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Release of Documents

• The file shall be available prior to inquest for review by agents, counsel, or persons with standing. Outside agency reports are not to be view or copied without their permission. Advise those interested in the reports to contact the agencies for viewing or copies.

• Any release of documents to other than the next-of-kin shall be done at the conclusion of the investigation by the Chief Coroner.