A coroner’s inquest into the deaths of seven inmates at the London provincial jail has has been postponed.
The inquest into the deaths at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) was to begin Monday, but has been delayed by a legal issue that has arisen, the office of the chief coroner of Ontario said Monday morning.
There was no word on how long the delay might last, or what the legal issue involves.
The inquest will investigate the deaths of:
- Raymond Major, 52, who died June 6, 2017
- Ronald Jenkins, 49, who died Dec. 9, 2017
- James Pigeau, 32, who died Jan. 7, 2018
- Sean Tourand-Brightman, 33, who died March 31, 2019
- Chase Blanchard, 29, who died on June 21, 2019
- Malcom Ripley, 41, who died Nov. 25, 202
- Clayton Bissonnette, 61, who died March 24, 2021
All the deaths occurred while the inmates were either at EMDC or being transferred from there to hospital. Inquests into deaths of individuals held in custody are mandatory under the Coroners Act.
The inquest is expected to last 15 days and hear from 15 witnesses.
Coroner’s inquests examine the circumstances surrounding deaths and juries may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
The province groups deaths together at inquests to examine common causes or concerns, which may result in larger-scale recommendations.
London lawyer Kevin Egan, who will represent several families of the inmates at the inquest, has said the focus of the inquest might be on staffing levels and access to programs.
Several, but not all the deaths, appear to be drug-related, he’s said.
There have been 22 deaths of EMDC inmates since 2009. The inquests into eight deaths and several court proceedings have revealed problems with supervision and health care, as well as extensive drug use and smuggling at the London provincial jail.
The latest inquest will be conducted by video conference, open to members of the public.