Inquest into seven deaths at EMDC has been adjourned over legal matters just as a new death at the facility has occurred

​​October 25, 2024, Toronto:  Today at the Inquest into seven deaths at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Cetnre (EMDC), the Coroner heard an adjournment motion from the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SolGen) who represents EMDC. The motion was brought to get instructions on whether or not to judically review the Coroner’s finding on a prior motion by SolGen to narrow the scope of the inquest.  The Coroner had dismissed that motion.  The adjournment was granted without a specified return date to begin the Inquest.

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​Inquest into seven deaths at EMDC has been adjourned over legal matters just as a new death at the facility has occurred
 
October 25, 2024, Toronto:  Today at the Inquest into seven deaths at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Cetnre (EMDC), the Coroner heard an adjournment motion from the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SolGen) who represents EMDC. The motion was brought to get instructions on whether or not to judically review the Coroner’s finding on a prior motion by SolGen to narrow the scope of the inquest.  The Coroner had dismissed that motion.  The adjournment was granted without a specified return date to begin the Inquest.
 
Counsel for the families of Clayton Bissonnette, James Pigeau, Malcolm Ripley, Raymond Major, Ronald Jenkins and Sean Tourand Brightman made submissions that the delay caused by the Ministry’s motions was causing the families distress and that some families have been waiting for seven years for this Inquest to begin. Sean Tourand Brightman’s father, Sean Sr. explained, “We understand that the Coroner had to make a determination, but we just want to get this over with. There’s not much the families can do now but wait for this process to eventually continue.”  Sylvia Tourand, Sean’s mother, said, “The loss of our son still feels like it happened just yesterday. It’s important that the preventative function of the inquest occurs sooner rather than later, otherwise deaths at EMDC will keep happening.”  The family is disappointed in the delay and hopeful the Inquest will get back on track sooner rather than later as it is obvious that lives are at risk for those detained or serving time at EMDC.
 
For inquires contact
Christa Big Canoe, Legal Advocacy Director
416-697-5467
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