Office of the Chief Coroner About the Office

When Things Are Done

When is a coroner called?

It is the lawful duty of any person to notify a coroner or the police if they are aware of deaths in the circumstances listed in section 10 of the Coroners Act. Typically, this happens soon after the death, but there is no time limit to report a coroner's case.

When is an inquest called?

The coroner may call an inquest to assist in answering the five questions about a person's death (who, how, where, when and by what means), to focus public attention on preventable deaths or to stimulate response by public or private organizations. An inquest may also be called to correct misinformation about the circumstances of any death and to assure the public that no death will be overlooked, concealed or ignored.

In Ontario, the Coroners Act requires an inquest when death results from an accident on a construction project, mining plant or mine, including a pit or quarry, or while detained by or in the actual custody of a peace officer, or while an inmate on the premises of a correctional institution or lock-up.

The family of a deceased person may request an inquest. This request should be made to the investigating coroner. The decision to hold an inquest is made in consultation with other supervising coroners and the Office of the Chief Coroner. This ensures that the Office of the Chief Coroner's resources are responsibly used to serve the public safety needs of Ontario citizens.