Dark dead in sharp increase in Quebec

About 10 % of the deaths that occur in Quebec are the subject of a Coroner survey. In addition,

“Our mission is to shed light on the causes. Therefore, circumstances of deaths that appear obscure, violent or occurred following negligence,” explains Me Reno Bernier, in an interview with The sun. Similarly,

Unlike a police investigation. Therefore, the conclusions of an investigation of the coroner cannot lead to criminal charges.

However, they can cause changes in society. Therefore, Compulsory winter tires. Meanwhile, prohibition of cellular cellular driving, anti-suicide barriers on certain infrastructure: all these measures have been implemented thanks to the recommendations of coroners.

“The only force we have is a moral force. Moreover, a force of influence that makes people adhere to the idea that is subject to the recommendation. Nevertheless, We cannot impose anything, ”sums up Me Bernier. Similarly,

More falls. Consequently, poisoning – Dark dead sharp increase quebec

Since 2015, the number of cases studied annually by the Coroner office has increased by 71%, from around 4000 to 7000. For example,

This explosion of cases is largely attributable to the aging of the population. In addition, according to the big boss of the Coroner office. In ten years, reports at the Coroner office concerning people aged 65 and over dark dead sharp increase quebec has tripled.

“Among the elderly, what is increasing in our figures is the accidental falls,” says Bernier.

The Coroner office also notes an increase in deaths caused by poisoning to various substances. However, this trend is less important than that of accidental falls.

“If we look at the other causes, it is relatively stable or in improvement,” says the chief coroner.

An investigation of the coroner aims to establish the identity of the deceased. the date and the place of his death as well as the probable causes and the circumstances surrounding his death. It is triggered following a report on the part of a health professional, a police officer or a citizen.

Far from Saaqclic – Dark dead sharp increase quebec

To meet this increased demand, the Coroner office has implemented an important modernization plan.

“And this plan, we are not in the 1.2 billion Saaqclic. It cost about $ 800,000, ”said Me Bernier. “In the current budgetary context. we really want to make sure that each dollar that we invest in Coroner’s services in Quebec is in the right place. We are really rigorous on that. ”

This plan is already bearing fruit, according to the big boss. In 2014, the period to produce a coroner report was around 13 months. It is now nine months old.

“We would like it to be even faster than that. but it’s nine months despite a 71% increase in demand,” said Me Reno Bernier.

In addition, the rate of response to the recommendations of the coroners has largely increased.

In 2025, 100 % of the organizations referred to in recommendations responded to the Coroner report. Of this number, 93 % respond positively, saying that they will apply the recommendation.

Doctors, lawyers and notaries can occupy Coroner’s profession. Since November 2022, nurses and pharmacists who have the necessary experience have also been eligible.

Virtual autopsies

Over the past two years. the chief coroner has established an innovative virtual autopsies system that makes it possible to significantly reduce deadlines.

“We use visual imaging devices, Taco at times when they are not used by living,” explains the coroner.

This procedure makes it possible to obtain an autopsy in 48 hours. while the results of a traditional autopsy are available in four to six dark dead sharp increase quebec months.

However, virtual autopsy, however, does not lend itself to all cases. “It will lend itself when there are trauma or fractures. But when it is more in -depth, it is not enough, ”explains Me Bernier.

This practice will never replace traditional autopsy, but it is increasingly used. About 20% of autopsies ordered by the Coroner office are made virtually. “We now have around twenty dark dead sharp increase quebec sites across Quebec. We put a lot on this, ”says Bernier.

And the 0.05?

The Coroner office has also revised the training of its coroners in order to encourage them. to make more sharp recommendations. “Now the answers are more precise, because the recommendations are more precise,” explains Me Bernier.

In addition. a recommendation which often returns to the Coroner reports is that of lowering the alcohol level allowed during driving to 0.05. It has not yet been adopted.

“It is the government that must decide whether or not implement 0.05. We are not there to challenge it. Our coroners are independent. They make their recommendations. It is up to the recipient to decide if it dark dead sharp increase quebec applies it or not. ”

— Me Reno Bernier. Coroner in chief of Quebec

In the future, the one behind the establishment of the vaccination passport wishes to continue its modernization efforts and increase its efficiency to better support families.

“The coroners help families understand the death of their loved ones. Often it helps mourn and it gives a voice to the deceased. It is a bit of the last chapter of the life of the deceased which is presented in the report. It is a very important human role. “