An Act respecting the determination of the causes and circumstances of death

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R.S.Q., chapter R-0.2

An Act respecting the determination of the causes and circumstances of death

CHAPTER ICORONERS

DIVISION IJURISDICTION OF CORONERS

Jurisdiction.

1. The coroner is a public officer having jurisdiction in respect of any death that hasoccurred in Qubec.

Death outside Qubec.

The coroner also has jurisdiction in respect of any burial, cremation or other mode ofdisposal in Qubec of the body of a person who has died outside Qubec.

1983, c. 41, s. 1.

Function.

2. The coroner's function is to determine by means of an investigation or, as the case may

be, an inquest,

(1) the identity of the deceased person;

(2) the date and place of death;

(3) the probable causes of death, that is, the disease, pathological condition, trauma orintoxications having caused, led to or contributed to the death;

(4) the circumstances of death.

1983, c. 41, s. 2.

Recommendation.

3. If pertinent, the coroner may also, at an investigation or an inquest, make anyrecommendation directed towards better protection of human life.

1983, c. 41, s. 3.


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Restriction.

4. In no case may a coroner conducting an investigation or an inquest make any findingof civil liability or criminal responsibility of a person.

1983, c. 41, s. 4.

DIVISION IIORGANIZATION

1. Appointment of coroners

Permanent coroners.

5. On the recommendation of the Minister of Public Security, the Government shall

appoint permanent coroners.

Part-time coroners.

The Government may also, on the recommendation of the Minister of Public Security,appoint part-time coroners.

1983, c. 41, s. 5; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Selection.

6. Persons called to become coroners are selected in accordance with the regulations.

1983, c. 41, s. 6.

Special appointment.

7. The Minister of Public Security may, in special cases, appoint a person to be part-timecoroner for the conduct of an investigation and, if need be, an inquest into deaths thathave occurred in a series of similar events.

1983, c. 41, s. 7; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

2. Appointment of the Chief Coroner and Deputy Chief Coroners

Chief Coroner.

8. The Government shall appoint one of the permanent coroners to be Chief Coroner forQubec.


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Deputy Chief Coroners.

The Government may also appoint two of the permanent coroners to be Deputy ChiefCoroners, one of whom is designated to replace the Chief Coroner when the latter isabsent or unable to act.

1983, c. 41, s. 8; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Term.

9. The Chief Coroner and Deputy Chief Coroners are appointed for not over five years.

Continuance in office.

The Chief Coroner and Deputy Chief Coroners remain in office after the expiry of theirterms as such until they are replaced or reappointed.

1983, c. 41, s. 9.

Chief Coroner's office.

10. The Chief Coroner's office is located at the place designated by the Government.

1983, c. 41, s. 10.

3. Immunity and removal

Oath.

11. Before taking office, coroners shall make the oath set forth in Schedule I before theChief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner, a judge of the Court of Qubec or before anyperson authorized to administer oaths under the first paragraph of section 219 of theCourts of Justice Act (chapter T-16).

1983, c. 41, s. 11; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Oath.

12. Before taking office, the Chief Coroner and the Deputy Chief Coroners shall makethe oath set forth in Schedule II before the chief judge, the senior associate chief judge orthe associate chief judge of the Court of Qubec.

1983, c. 41, s. 12; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Full-time duties.


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13. The Chief Coroner, the Deputy Chief Coroners and the permanent coroners shalldevote their time exclusively to their duties of office.

Good behaviour.

They hold office during good behaviour.

1983, c. 41, s. 13.

Reprimand, suspension and removal.

14. The Chief Coroner may reprimand a coroner, for cause. The Government maysuspend a permanent coroner, with or without salary, or remove him on a report of thechief judge of the Court of Qubec, or of a judge of that Court designated by the chiefjudge, made following an inquiry requested by the Minister of Public Security.

1983, c. 41, s. 14; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 1997, c. 82, s.1.

Removal, suspension and reprimand.

15. The Government may remove or suspend, with or without salary, or reprimand theChief Coroner or a Deputy Chief Coroner on a report of the chief judge of the Court ofQubec, or of a judge of that Court designated by the chief judge, made following aninquiry requested by the Minister of Public Security.

1983, c. 41, s. 15; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 21, s. 66; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 1997, c. 82, s.2.

Immunity.

16. No action may be instituted against the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner, acoroner or a person exercising any power conferred by this Act for any act performed ingood faith in the discharge of his duties.

1983, c. 41, s. 16.

Immunity.

17. Except on a matter of jurisdiction, no extraordinary recourse provided in articles 834to 850 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25) may be exercised nor any injunctiongranted against the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or a coroner acting in hisofficial capacity or against any person acting under the authority of a coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 17.


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Conflict of interest.

18. In no case may the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or a coroner, under painof forfeiture of office, have any direct or indirect interest in an undertaking causing hispersonal interest to conflict with his duties of office.

Exception.

However, forfeiture is not incurred if the interest devolves to him by succession or gift ifhe renounces or disposes of it with dispatch.

1983, c. 41, s. 18.

4. Remuneration of coroners and other conditions of employment

Conditions of employment.

19. The salary, social benefits and other conditions of employment of the Chief Coroner,Deputy Chief Coroners and permanent coroners are fixed by the Government.

1983, c. 41, s. 19.

Pension plan.

20. The pension plan of the Chief Coroner, Deputy Chief Coroners and permanentcoroners is that provided in the Act respecting the Government and Public EmployeesRetirement Plan (chapter R-10).

1983, c. 41, s. 20.

Maintenance of salary.

21. A coroner who ceases to hold the office of Chief Coroner or Deputy Chief Coronerafter holding that office for five years or more and who remains a permanent coronercontinues to receive the salary he received as Chief Coroner or Deputy Chief Coroner.However, his salary is not increased until the salary of a permanent coroner is equal to hissalary.

1983, c. 41, s. 21.

Part-time coroners.

22. Part-time coroners are remunerated according to the tariff adopted by regulation ofthe Government.

1983, c. 41, s. 22.


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DIVISION IIIPOWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF CORONER AND DEPUTY CHIEFCORONERS

Duties of the Chief Coroner.

23. The Chief Coroner shall coordinate, distribute and supervise the work of the coronerswho shall, in that respect, comply with his orders and directives.

1983, c. 41, s. 23.

Powers of the Chief Coroner.

24. The Chief Coroner has, in respect of his personnel, the powers of a chief executiveofficer of an agency within the meaning of the Public Service Act (chapter F-3.1.1).

Personnel.

The personnel required for the application of this Act is appointed in accordance with thePublic Service Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 24; 1983, c. 55, s. 161; 2000, c. 8, s. 242.

Territory served.

25. The Chief Coroner shall see to it that the coroners serve the whole territory ofQubec.

1983, c. 41, s. 25.

Deputy Chief Coroners.

26. The Deputy Chief Coroners shall assist the Chief Coroner in the performance of hisduties.

1983, c. 41, s. 26.

Exercise of powers.

27. The Deputy Chief Coroners shall exercise the powers of the Chief Coroner to theextent he determines.

1983, c. 41, s. 27.

Code of ethics.


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28. The Chief Coroner, by regulation, shall adopt a code of ethics for coroners and see toits application.

Code of ethics.

The code imposes, in particular, general and special duties toward the public, othercoroners, persons involved in the circumstances of a death and persons called toparticipate in an investigation or inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 28.

Annual report.

29. Not later than 31 March each year, the Chief Coroner shall transmit to the Minister ofPublic Security an annual report of the activities of the coroners during the preceding

calendar year.

Recommendations.

The report may include the recommendations or a summary of the recommendationsmade following an investigation or an inquest.

Tabling.

The Minister of Public Security shall table the report in the National Assembly within 30days of receiving it if the Assembly is in session or, if it is not sitting, within 30 daysafter the opening of the next session or after resumption.

1983, c. 41, s. 29; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Custody of records.

30. The Chief Coroner has custody of the records of the coroners.

Content.

The records of the coroners comprise the originals of reports of investigation or inquestand the accompanying documents that the coroners are required to transmit to the ChiefCoroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 30.

Access to documents.


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31. The Chief Coroner may, on the conditions he determines, authorize a person toexamine documents that are not public and are part of the records of the coroners but onlyfor purposes of study, instruction or scientific research. However, in no case may theChief Coroner allow the report of a peace officer to be examined unless it has been filedas evidence at an inquest or unless the Minister of Public Security or the person he

designates for that purpose has granted express authorization.

1983, c. 41, s. 31; 1986, c. 86, s. 41; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Powers.

32. The Chief Coroner may

(1) adopt, by regulation, any form required for the administration of this Act;

(2) designate the morgues necessary for the administration of this Act;

(3) devise and implement an instruction program for coroners;

(4) make directives necessary for the administration of this Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 32.

Agreements.

33. The Chief Coroner may, according to law, enter into agreements with a person, apublic agency or a department of the Government or of another government for thepurposes of the administration of this Act.

Effect.

Any agreement entered into with an institution operating a hospital centre within themeaning of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2) haseffect only from the thirtieth day following its filing with the agency unless the agencyhas disallowed the agreement. An agreement entered into with the institution to whichPart IV.2 of that Act applies has effect only from the sixtieth day following its filing withthe Minister of Health and Social Services, unless the Minister has disallowed theagreement.

Agreements.

Any agreement entered into with a hospital centre within the meaning of the Actrespecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5) haseffect only from the date it is filed with the regional health and social service councilwhere the hospital centre is located.


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1983, c. 41, s. 33; 1992, c. 21, s. 280; 1994, c. 23, s. 23; 1998, c. 39, s. 186; 2005, c. 32,s. 308.

CHAPTER IINOTICE TO THE CORONER

Obligation of physicians.

34. Every physician who certifies a death for which he is unable to establish the probablecauses or which appears to him to have occurred in obscure or violent circumstances shallimmediately notify a coroner or peace officer.

1983, c. 41, s. 34.

Death.

35. Where a death occurs in a facility maintained by an institution operating a hospitalcentre, the director of professional services of the institution or a person under hisauthority may take measures to have the probable causes of death established by aphysician.

Coroner's authorization.

However, in the case of a death contemplated in section 36, the director of professionalservices or a person under his authority shall obtain the coroner's authorization beforetaking measures to have the probable causes of death established.

1983, c. 41, s. 35; 1992, c. 21, s. 281.

Obscure circumstances.

36. Unless he has reasonable cause to believe that a coroner, a physician or a peaceofficer has already been informed, every person having knowledge of a death mustimmediately notify a coroner or a peace officer where it appears that the death hasoccurred in obscure or violent circumstances or where the identity of the deceased personis unknown to him.

1983, c. 41, s. 36.

Notification to coroner.

37. The director of, or, in his absence, the person in authority in an institutioncontemplated in this section shall immediately notify a coroner or peace officer where adeath occurs


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(1) in a reception centre classified as a rehabilitation centre within the meaning of theAct respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5)and the regulations made thereunder;

(1.1) in a facility maintained by an institution within the meaning of the Act respecting

health services and social services (chapter S-4.2) which operates a rehabilitation centre;

(2) in an adapted enterprise within the meaning of the Act to secure handicapped personsin the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplaceintegration (chapter E-20.1);

(3) in a facility maintained by a health and social services institution, where the person inwhose respect death occurred was under confinement.

1983, c. 41, s. 37; 1991, c. 44, s. 1; 1992, c. 21, s. 282, s. 375; 1994, c. 23, s. 23; 1997, c.75, s. 48; 2004, c. 31, s. 71, s. 72.

Notification to coroner.

38. The director of, or, in his absence, the person in authority in an establishmentcontemplated in this section shall immediately notify a coroner where a death occurs

(1) in a correctional facility within the meaning of the Act respecting the Qubeccorrectional system (chapter S-40.1);

(2) in a penitentiary within the meaning of the Penitentiary Act (Revised Statutes ofCanada, 1985, chapter P-5);

(3) in a security unit within the meaning of the Youth Protection Act (chapter P-34.1);

(4) in a police station.

1983, c. 41, s. 38; 1991, c. 43, s. 22; 2002, c. 24, s. 204; 2002, c. 24, s. 209.

Death of a child.

39. Where a child dies while he is in the custody of the holder of a permit issued by theMinister of Families, Seniors and the Status of Women, the permit holder, or in hisabsence, the person in authority at the place where the child is in custody shallimmediately notify a coroner or a peace officer.

1983, c. 41, s. 39; 1997, c. 58, s. 144; 2006, c. 25, s. 15.

Death in a foster family.


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CHAPTER IIIINVESTIGATION

DIVISION IPOWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CORONER IN AN INVESTIGATION

Investigation required.

45. An investigation must take place every time notice is given to the coroner underChapter II.

Investigation required.

The Minister of Public Security or the Chief Coroner may also require an investigation.

1983, c. 41, s. 45; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Conduct of investigation.

46. The coroner having jurisdiction in the place where the dead body has been found or ispresumed to be shall conduct the investigation. In the case of the first paragraph ofsection 43, the coroner having jurisdiction in the place where the body is to be buried orcremated shall conduct the investigation.

Designation of coroner.

Where the complexity of the causes or the circumstances of death so require or where thecoroner who had been responsible for conducting the investigation is unable to do so, theChief Coroner may designate another coroner to conduct the investigation or to completeit.

1983, c. 41, s. 46.

Investigation by peace officer.

47. The coroner may require a peace officer to conduct an investigation or furtherinvestigation.

1983, c. 41, s. 47.

Report.

48. Every peace officer investigating a case notified to a coroner shall, with duediligence, transmit to him a copy of his report.

1983, c. 41, s. 48.


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Deceased person's record.

48.1. If the coroner believes that it is necessary in the performance of his duties toexamine a deceased person's record referred to in the first paragraph of section 7 of the

Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5)and held by an institution within the meaning of that Act, a deceased person's recordcontemplated by Chapter II of Title II of Part I of the Act respecting health services andsocial services (chapter S-4.2) and held by an institution within the meaning of that Actor a deceased person's record held by a health professional governed by the ProfessionalCode (chapter C-26), he may order the holder of the record to deliver the record to him ormake it available to him, within the time he fixes.

Order.

The coroner shall specify in his order, in accordance with the directives of the Chief

Coroner, the time within which and the procedure according to which the record is to bedelivered or made available to him.

Records.

The coroner shall ensure the safekeeping of every record delivered or made available tohim and return it to its holder as soon as it is no longer required for the purposes of thisAct.

1990, c. 48, s. 1; 1992, c. 21, s. 284, s. 375; 1994, c. 23, s. 23.

Authorized search.

49. Every coroner having reasonable and probable cause to believe that an object or adocument useful for the performance of his duties is to be found in a place may, inwriting, authorize a peace officer to enter that place to search for and seize the object ordocument.

1983, c. 41, s. 49.

Presence of body suspected.

49.1. Every coroner having reasonable and probable grounds for believing that a deadbody is to be found in a place may enter that place to take possession of it and, at thesame time, inspect the place and examine or seize any object or document useful for theperformance of his duties.

1986, c. 95, s. 280.

Authorized examination.


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Inspection.

56. Subject to the conditions that may be specified by a justice of the peace in accordancewith section 72, every coroner who enters a place to inspect it shall do so at a reasonable

hour unless it is necessary to do so at another time to gather or preserve items of evidenceor to ensure the protection of the persons involved or their property.

1983, c. 41, s. 56; 1986, c. 95, s. 282.

Seizure of objects.

57. Where the coroner takes possession of a dead body, he shall also seize the objectsfound on the body.

1983, c. 41, s. 57.

Minutes of seizure.

58. Where the coroner seizes an object or a document under this Act, he shall draw upminutes of the seizure.

1983, c. 41, s. 58.

Content.

59. The minutes of seizure indicate, in particular,

(1) the date and place of the seizure;

(2) the circumstances of and reasons for the seizure;

(3) a description of the seized object or document;

(4) the name of the person from whom the document or object was seized;

(5) any information to permit the identification of the owner of or the person having aright to the seized object or document;

(6) the identity and office of the person who made the seizure;

(7) the date of the authorization granted by a justice of the peace, where that is the case.

1983, c. 41, s. 59; 1986, c. 95, s. 283.

Copy.


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(3) immediately transmit to the coroner a copy of the minutes of seizure he has drawnup;

(4) remit to any person designated by the coroner any seized object or document in hiscustody.

1983, c. 41, s. 71.

Right of entry.

72. The coroner or a person authorized under section 49, 65 or 68 may, with the writtenauthorization of a justice of the peace, enter any place for the purposes contemplated insection 49, 49.1 or 50.

Authorization granted.

The justice of the peace may grant the authorization, subject to such conditions he mayspecify therein, if he is satisfied, on the basis of a sworn statement by the coroner or theperson authorized under section 49, 65 or 68, that there are reasonable and probablegrounds for believing that entry into that place is useful for the performance of thecoroner's duties. The authorization, whether acted upon or not, shall be returned to thejustice of the peace who granted it, not later than 15 days after its issue.

No authorization required.

The authorization of a justice of the peace is not required, however, to enter any placewithin 24 hours following the receipt of a notice given under Chapter II for the purposescontemplated in section 49.1. Nor is the authorization required if the conditions forobtaining it exist and if, owing to exigent circumstances, the delay necessary to obtain theauthorization may result in danger to human health or to the safety of persons or propertyor in the disappearance, destruction or loss of what is useful for the performance of thecoroner's duties.

1983, c. 41, s. 72; 1986, c. 95, s. 288.

DIVISION IIEXAMINATION, AUTOPSY AND OTHER EXPERTISE

Autopsy or expertise.

73. The coroner may make or perform, or order, the examination or autopsy of a deadbody, or an expertise.

Autopsy or expertise.


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The Minister of Public Security or the Chief Coroner may require the coroner to order anexamination, autopsy or expertise.

1983, c. 41, s. 73; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Specimens.

74. A physician may take from a dead body the specimens required for an expertiseordered by the coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 74.

Place of autopsy.

75. Except where a coroner's directive provides otherwise, the examination or autopsy ofa body or taking of specimens from a dead body by a coroner's order is made or

performed at the facility maintained by the institution operating the hospital centre wherethe death occurred.

Place of autopsy.

Where the death occurred in a place other than a facility maintained by an institutionoperating a hospital centre, the examination, autopsy or taking of specimens may bemade or performed in the Laboratoire de mdecine lgale du Qubec, in any facilitymaintained by an institution operating a hospital centre, by agreement between theinstitution and the Chief Coroner, or at any other place designated by the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 75; 1992, c. 21, s. 285.

Diligence.

76. The director of professional services of an institution operating a hospital centre shalltake the necessary measures to have the required examination, autopsy or taking ofspecimens that is to be made or performed at the facility maintained by that institutioncarried out with due diligence.

Diligence.

The director of the Laboratoire de mdecine lgale du Qubec and the director of theLaboratoire de police scientifique du Qubec shall do likewise when the requiredexamination, autopsy, taking of specimens or expertise, as the case may be, is to be madeor performed under their authority.

1983, c. 41, s. 76; 1992, c. 21, s. 286.

Report.


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1983, c. 41, s. 81; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Exhumation.

82. The coroner may order the exhumation of a dead body where he has reasonable

grounds to believe an examination or autopsy of the body may be useful for theperformance of his duties.

Authorization.

If the body was buried according to law, the coroner must be authorized by the ChiefCoroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 82.

Order of exhumation.

83. The Minister of Public Security or the Chief Coroner may require the coroner to orderthe exhumation of a dead body.

1983, c. 41, s. 83; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Exhumation expenses.

84. Expenses incurred for exhumations made in application of this Act are paid out of theappropriations allocated for the administration of this Act.

Second burial.

The same applies to expenses incurred for a second burial following exhumation, if thefirst burial was made according to law.

1983, c. 41, s. 84.

Autopsy following exhumation.

85. Every examination or autopsy ordered by a coroner following exhumation of a bodymust be made or performed by a physician who has not previously examined orperformed an autopsy on the dead body.

1983, c. 41, s. 85.

DIVISION IVBAN ON PUBLICATION OR RELEASE

Photograph of dead body.


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86. No person may publish or release a photograph of a dead body contemplated insection 53 or section 66 unless authorized in writing by the Chief Coroner or the coronerconducting the investigation.

Authorization.

The authorization may be granted by the Chief Coroner on the conditions he determines,if required for the administration of justice or in the public interest, or for purposes ofscientific research or instruction. It may be granted by the Chief Coroner or the coroner,on the conditions he determines, for purposes of identification of the body.

1983, c. 41, s. 86.

Persons under 18 years of age.

87. No person may publish or release anything whatsoever revealing the name or addressof a person under 18 years of age implicated in the circumstances of a person's death, orallowing him to be identified.

1983, c. 41, s. 87.

Ban.

88. No person may publish or release a document contemplated in section 93.

1983, c. 41, s. 88.

Contempt of court.

89. Every person who, by deed or omission, contravenes section 86, 87 or 88 is guilty ofcontempt of court.

1983, c. 41, s. 89.

Publication.

90. A ban on publication or release of certain information under this division does notapply if the publication or release is made in accordance with section 100 or 102.

1983, c. 41, s. 90.

DIVISION VREPORT OF INVESTIGATION

Report.


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1983, c. 41, s. 94.

Certified copy.

95. The coroner who prepared the report or the Chief Coroner may certify that a copy ofthe report or of the accompanying documents is in conformity with the report or thedocuments filed in the records of the coroners.

Certified copy.

Every copy must be certified before being transmitted.

1983, c. 41, s. 95.

Examination of coroner's report.

96. The coroner's report, except the accompanying documents and the parts of the reportthat are subject to a ban on publication or release under this Act, is public and may beconsulted by any person.

Copy.

A certified copy of the report may be obtained on payment of the charge prescribed byregulation.

1983, c. 41, s. 96.

Deletions.

97. The Chief Coroner, the coroner who conducted the investigation and every personunder their authority shall, before allowing access to a report or transmitting a certifiedcopy of it, delete any passages banned from publication or release.

1983, c. 41, s. 97.

Recommendations.

98. The Chief Coroner shall, if he considers it appropriate, transmit to the persons,associations, departments or agencies concerned the recommendations appearing in thereport of an investigation.

1983, c. 41, s. 98.

Copy of the report.


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99. At the request of the Minister of Public Security or the Director of Criminal and PenalProsecutions, the coroner or the Chief Coroner shall forward to them a certified copy ofthe unexpurgated report and accompanying documents.

1983, c. 41, s. 99; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2005, c. 34, s. 66.

Publication.

100. Where required in the public interest, the Minister of Public Security or the ChiefCoroner may publish or release any information contained in the report and in theaccompanying documents that is not public.

Peace officer's report.

In no case, however, may the Chief Coroner publish or release the report of a peaceofficer without the express permission of the Minister of Public Security or a person

authorized by him for that purpose.

1983, c. 41, s. 100; 1986, c. 86, s. 38, s. 41; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Consultation of the report.

101. Notwithstanding section 97, the Chief Coroner or a permanent coroner may allowconsultation of the unexpurgated report or accompanying documents or, on payment ofthe charge fixed by regulation, transmit certified copies of them

(1) to a person, association, department or agency establishing to his satisfaction thatthey will be used to learn or establish his or its rights;

(2) to a department or public agency establishing to his satisfaction that it will use themin the pursuit of the public interest.

Peace officer's report.

However, in no case may a peace officer's report be consulted or transmitted except withthe express permission of the Minister of Public Security or a person authorized by himfor that purpose.

1983, c. 41, s. 101; 1986, c. 86, s. 41; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Access and publication.

102. Access to a report or accompanying document or its receipt does not constitute anauthorization to publish or release information it contains that has not been made public,unless that is necessary in order for the person, association, department or agency to learn


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or establish his or its rights, or in the public interest, where the department or publicagency has consulted or received it for that purpose.

1983, c. 41, s. 102.

Recommendation.

103. If, during or following an investigation, the coroner is of opinion that it would beexpedient to hold an inquest, he shall immediately make a recommendation to that effectto the Chief Coroner, with a statement of the grounds for his recommendation.

1983, c. 41, s. 103.

CHAPTER III.1Repealed, 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.1. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.2. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.3. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.4. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.5. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

103.6. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

CHAPTER IVINQUEST

DIVISION IGROUNDS FOR HOLDING AN INQUEST


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Inquest.

104. The Chief Coroner may, during or following an investigation, order that an inquestbe held into the probable causes and circumstances of a death if he has reason to believethat the holding of an inquest would be expedient and would not impede the progress of

any police investigation.

1983, c. 41, s. 104.

Witnesses.

105. In determining whether it is expedient to hold an inquest, the Chief Coroner shallconsider whether it is expedient to hear witnesses, particularly

(1) to obtain information for establishing the probable causes or circumstances of death;

(2) to enable a coroner to make recommendations directed to better protection of humanlife;

(3) to inform the public on the probable causes or circumstances of death.

1983, c. 41, s. 105.

Inquest required by the Minister of Public Security

106. The Chief Coroner shall order the holding of an inquest where required by theMinister of Public Security.

1983, c. 41, s. 106; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Inquest into several deaths.

107. The Chief Coroner may order a single inquest into several deaths which occurred inthe same event or a series of similar events.

1983, c. 41, s. 107.

Presiding coroner.

108. The Chief Coroner shall designate a coroner to preside at the inquest from amongthe coroners with legal training. He may also, if the coroner responsible for presiding atthe inquest is unable to do so, designate another coroner to complete an inquest already inprogress.

1983, c. 41, s. 108.


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Attorney's assistance.

109. The coroner may, at an inquest, be assisted by an attorney designated by the ChiefCoroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 109.

Appointment of assessor.

110. Where the complexity of the events being the subject of the inquest so requires, theGovernment, at the request of the Chief Coroner, may designate as an assessor a personwho, owing to his knowledge and special competence, is in a position to provide usefulor pertinent information to the coroner at the inquest. The Government shall also fix theremuneration and conditions of employment of the assessor.

1983, c. 41, s. 110.

DIVISION IIPOWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CORONER IN AN INQUEST

Applicability.

111. Subject to this chapter, sections 47 to 85 apply to an inquest, with the necessarymodifications.

1983, c. 41, s. 111.

Summons.

112. The coroner may summon a person to be examined at an inquest whom he believesin a position to provide useful or enlightening information for the inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 112.

Travel expenses.

113. The person is summoned in writing, unless he is present at the place where theinquest is held, and the summons may be accompanied with an advance of funds to coverthe person's travel expenses.

1983, c. 41, s. 113.

Order.

114. The coroner may order a person summoned by him to bring with him any object ordocument he indicates.


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Written request.

The request is made in writing, unless the person is present at the place where the inquestis held.

1983, c. 41, s. 114.

Service.

115. Articles 120 to 146 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25) apply, with thenecessary modifications, to the service of a summons made by a coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 115.

Warrant.

116. Where the coroner has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a person hewishes to summon as a witness at the inquest is avoiding service of a summons or willnot be present following a summons, the coroner may apply to a judge of the Court ofQubec for the issue of a warrant ordering a peace officer to arrest that person and causehim to appear.

Appearance.

Where a person other than the coroner has, to the satisfaction of the coroner, reasonableand probable grounds to believe that a witness at the inquest will avoid service of asummons or will not be present following a summons, the coroner may authorize him toapply to a judge of the Court of Qubec for the issue of a warrant ordering a peace officerto arrest the witness and cause him to appear.

Appearance.

The person arrested shall appear before a judge of the Court of Qubec without delay.The person arrested and the person who required the warrant must then have anopportunity to be heard before any judgment is rendered on the detention or release of theperson.

1983, c. 41, s. 116; 1985, c. 29, s. 43; 1988, c. 21, s. 125.

Warrant.

117. Upon proof that a person duly summoned refuses or fails to appear as a witness, thecoroner may issue a warrant ordering a peace officer to arrest or detain him.

Appearance.


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The person so arrested shall without delay appear before the person who issued thewarrant of arrest, a permanent coroner or a judge of the Court of Qubec.

1983, c. 41, s. 117; 1988, c. 21, s. 126.

Person under 18 years of age.

118. If the person arrested is under 18 years of age, he must be entrusted to the care of thedirector of youth protection until his appearance.

Director of youth protection.

The director of youth protection shall entrust the person arrested to the care of aninstitution operating a reception centre or a rehabilitation centre for shelter and shall,without delay, notify his parents or the person having parental authority of the place

where he may be found, of the time and place he is to appear and of the proceedingsbeing brought against him.

reception centre, rehabilitation centre.

For the purposes of the second paragraph, reception centre has the meaning assigned toit by the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons(chapter S-5) and rehabilitation centre has the meaning assigned to it by the Actrespecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2).

1983, c. 41, s. 118; 1992, c. 21, s. 287; 1994, c. 23, s. 23.

Powers of the judge.

119. The judge or the coroner before whom a person arrested appears may

(1) order that he be released on a recognizance, unconditional or with reasonableconditions, with ou without sureties, to appear at the inquest and testify; or

(2) order that he be detained in a correctional facility for a period of not over eight daysor, if he is under 18 years of age, that he be confided to the care of the director of youthprotection designated by the judge or the coroner for the same period.

Warrant.

If the judge or the coroner, as the case may be, has reasonable and probable grounds tobelieve that a person has not complied with the conditions of his release, or has escapedor is about to do so, he may issue a new warrant for his arrest. Any person so arrested istreated in accordance with the first paragraph.


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Review.

Any decision taken pursuant to the first paragraph may, upon a motion, be revised by ajustice of the Superior Court.

1983, c. 41, s. 119; 2002, c. 24, s. 209.

Justice of the peace.

120. The coroner is deemed to be a justice of the peace when he exercises the powersprovided in section 117 or 119.

1983, c. 41, s. 120.

Witness.

121. The person detained under an order of the judge or coroner before whom he hasappeared must be summoned as a witness at the inquest within eight days of hisappearance.

1983, c. 41, s. 121.

Exercise of powers.

122. The powers conferred by this division on a judge of the Court of Qubec may beexercised by a justice of the peace appointed under section 158 of the Courts of JusticeAct (chapter T-16), if no judge of the Court of Qubec is available in the judicial district.

1983, c. 41, s. 122; 1988, c. 21, s. 127; 1992, c. 61, s. 505.

Oath.

123. The coroner shall require the oath of every person summoned as a witness.

1983, c. 41, s. 123; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Admissibility of testimony.

124. The coroner may admit, without the formality of an oath, the testimony of a personwho, in his opinion, does not understand the nature of the oath, if he considers that he issufficiently mature to report facts that came to his knowledge and that he understands hisduty to tell the truth.

1983, c. 41, s. 124; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Representation by advocate.


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125. If a person under 18 years of age is summoned as a witness, the coroner, if he is ofthe opinion that it would be in the person's interest to be represented by an advocate, shallallow him a reasonable time to obtain the services of an advocate and, if necessary, putoff the hearing of his testimony until he obtains them.

1983, c. 41, s. 125.

Obligation to testify.

126. Every person summoned to testify before a coroner must, on pain of contempt ofcourt, answer the questions put to him.

Procedure.

Notwithstanding the first paragraph, articles 307 and 308 of the Code of Civil Procedure

(chapter C-25) apply.

1983, c. 41, s. 126.

Protection of witnesses.

127. The coroner shall inform witnesses of their right to request the protection of section5 of the Canada Evidence Act (Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, chapter C-5) regardingany question tending to criminate him.

1983, c. 41, s. 127.

Person under prosecution.

128. In no case may a person under criminal prosecution for a death for which thecoroner has, in accordance with section 156, obtained authorization to hold or proceedwith an inquest, be compelled to testify before a coroner until the judgment in thecriminal proceedings has acquired the status of res judicata.

1983, c. 41, s. 128.

Questions.

129. The coroner and, as the case may be, the attorney or assessor who assists him may,during the inquest, put to the witnesses any question they deem advisable.

1983, c. 41, s. 129.

Depositions.


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130. The coroner shall, at the inquest, have the depositions of witnesses, therepresentations made to him and the statements or decisions made by him taken down bystenography or recorded in any other manner authorized by the Government.

1983, c. 41, s. 130.

Transcription.

131. Stenographic notes or recordings must be transcribed if the coroner, the ChiefCoroner, the Minister of Public Security or the Director of Criminal and PenalProsecutions so requires.

1983, c. 41, s. 131; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2005, c. 34, s. 67.

Duties of the director of the record office.

132. The director of the record office of the judicial district where the inquest is to beheld shall, at the request of the coroner, provide the premises, clerks, stenographers andinterpreters necessary for the inquest and take the necessary measures to ascertain that theinquest is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

1983, c. 41, s. 132.

DIVISION IIIPLACE AND TIME OF INQUEST

Inquest.

133. The coroner shall conduct his inquest with diligence.

1983, c. 41, s. 133.

Judicial district.

134. The inquest is held in the judicial district where the dead body was found or ispresumed to be unless the coroner considers it advisable, in the interest of justice, to holdit in another district.

1983, c. 41, s. 134.

Notice.

135. The coroner shall give reasonable notice of the place, date and time of the inquest

(1) to a member of the family of the deceased;


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(2) to a person who has requested to be notified thereof;

(3) to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or to the advocate designated bythe Attorney General to represent the Attorney General;

(4) to the Minister of Public Security.

Information to the public.

The coroner may also make the same information available to the public.

1983, c. 41, s. 135; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2005, c. 34, s. 68.

DIVISION IVRECOGNIZED RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS

Interested persons.

136. A coroner shall recognize as an interested person any person, association,government department or agency requesting to be acknowledged as such and that proveshis or its interest in the inquest to the satisfaction of the coroner.

Refusal.

The coroner shall state his reasons for refusing the request.

1983, c. 41, s. 136.

Summons of a witness.

137. At the request of an interested person, a coroner shall summon a witness if hebelieves that person in a position to furnish relevant information or information likely toenlighten him on his inquest.

Refusal.

The coroner shall state his reasons for refusing the request.

1983, c. 41, s. 137.

Examination and cross-examination.

138. An interested person may be heard, examine the witness he requested be summonedand with the coroner's permission cross-examine that witness. The person may alsoexamine and cross-examine any other witness and make any representations to thecoroner for the purpose of the inquest.


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1983, c. 41, s. 138.

Copy of transcription.

139. Upon payment of the charge required under the tariff established by regulation, aninterested person may request a transcription of the stenographic notes or recordings andobtain copy thereof.

1983, c. 41, s. 139.

DIVISION VRESTRICTION ON PUBLIC NATURE OF INQUEST

Public inquest.

140. Inquests are open to the public.

1983, c. 41, s. 140.

Photograph of dead body.

141. No person may publish or release a photograph of a dead body contemplated insection 53 or section 66 except with the written authorization from the Chief Coroner orthe coroner conducting the inquest.

Authorization.

Such authorization may be granted by the Chief Coroner, on his conditions, where theadministration of justice or the public interest so requires or for purposes of scientificresearch or instruction. Authorization may be granted by the Chief Coroner or thecoroner, on his conditions, for the purpose of identifying the dead body.

1983, c. 41, s. 141.

Persons under 18 years of age.

142. No person may publish or release anything whatsoever revealing the name oraddress or enabling the identification of a person under 18 years of age implicated in thecircumstances of the death of a person or called on to testify at an inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 142.

Ban.

143. No person may publish or release a document contemplated in section 161.


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1983, c. 41, s. 143.


144. Where a coroner's inquest is authorized in accordance with section 156 at the sametime criminal proceedings are being brought against a person in respect of the samedeath, no person may publish or release the proof presented at the inquest until thejudgment on the criminal proceedings has acquired the status of res judicata.

1983, c. 41, s. 144.

Filming prohibited.

145. Picture taking, sketching, filming for motion-picture projection, broadcasting andtelevising are prohibited at the inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 145.

Ban.

146. If the coroner considers it necessary in the public interest or for the protection of theprivacy of a person, his reputation or his right to a just and fair trial, he shall, of his ownmotion or on application, ban the publication or release of information given or that couldbe given at the inquest.

Validity of order.

The order banning the publication or release of information is valid for the period fixedby the coroner or for the duration of the inquest, unless the coroner lifts the ban beforethe end of the inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 146; 1999, c. 60, s. 1.

Contempt of court.

147. Every person who, by act or omission, contravenes section 141, 142, 143, 144 or145 or an order made by the coroner under section 146 is guilty of contempt of court.

1983, c. 41, s. 147.

Exception.

148. A ban on publication or release of certain information under this division does notapply if the publication or release is made in accordance with section 100 or section 102.


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1983, c. 41, s. 148.

DIVISION VIPROCEDURE AND PROOF

Object of the inquest.

149. At the beginning of an inquest, the coroner shall inform the persons present of theobject of the inquest and the reasons justifying it.

1983, c. 41, s. 149.

Summons.

150. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or the advocate representing theAttorney General may require the coroner to summon any person he believes in a

position to furnish information useful to the inquest or that might enlighten the coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 150; 2005, c. 34, s. 69.

Testimonies.

151. The witnesses shall testify out of each other's presence if the coroner so orders, ofhis own motion or on the motion of the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, theadvocate representing the Attorney General or an interested person.

1983, c. 41, s. 151; 2005, c. 34, s. 70.

Examination of witnesses.

152. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or the advocate representing theAttorney General may examine or cross-examine any witness.

1983, c. 41, s. 152; 2005, c. 34, s. 71.

Report in lieu of testimony.

153. A coroner may admit in proof a medical report, an expertise, or an official policereport in lieu of the testimony of the physician, expert or peace officer who prepared itunless an interested person, the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or theadvocate representing the Attorney General proves to the coroner the relevance, for thepurposes of the inquest, of examining the author of such report or expertise.

1983, c. 41, s. 153; 2005, c. 34, s. 72.

Presentation of proof.


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154. The coroner has authority over presentation of the proof and the conduct of theinquest. The coroner shall ensure that the inquest is conducted in an equitable manner.

Admissibility of evidence.

He may admit any evidence he considers relevant to the purposes of the inquest, excludeany evidence that is repetitious or the conclusiveness of which is minimal, and limit anyvexatious examination or cross-examination of a witness.

1983, c. 41, s. 154; 1999, c. 60, s. 2.

Contempt of court.

155. Any person who disrupts the inquest is guilty of contempt of court.

1983, c. 41, s. 155.

DIVISION VIISTAY, ADJOURNMENT OR REOPENING OF INQUEST


156. Notwithstanding sections 104 and 106, in no case where a person against whomcriminal proceedings are brought in respect of a death may the coroner, except with thejoint authorization of the Minister of Public Security and of the Attorney General, hold orcontinue an inquest into the death until the judgment on those proceedings has acquiredthe status of res judicata.

Information.

The coroner shall then inform the Chief Coroner thereof.

1983, c. 41, s. 156; 1986, c. 86, s. 32; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Adjournment.

157. The coroner may close the inquest if justified by new facts. He shall adjourn it if thecircumstances so require or on the motion of the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 157.

Resumption.


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158. The coroner shall resume an adjourned inquest if the Minister of Public Security sorequires. The Chief Coroner may order a coroner to resume an adjourned inquest on hismotion.

1983, c. 41, s. 158; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

Reopening.

159. The Chief Coroner may order the reopening of an inquest if justified by new facts.He shall do so if the Minister of Public Security so requires.

New coroner.

If the coroner who had been conducting the inquest is no longer able to do so, the ChiefCoroner may designate a new coroner to conduct the reopened inquest.

1983, c. 41, s. 159; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

DIVISION VIIICLOSING OF INQUEST AND REPORT OF INQUEST

Report.

160. Once the inquest is closed, the coroner shall draft his report with dispatch.

Content.

The report on the inquest must contain the information contemplated in section 92.

1983, c. 41, s. 160.

Accompanying documents.

161. In addition to the documents mentioned in section 93, the coroner shall attach a copyof the summons of the witnesses and, where such is the case,

(1) a copy of the warrant of arrest issued under section 116, 117 or 119;

(2) a copy of any decision rendered under section 119;

(3) the original of the transcription of the stenographic notes or recordings;

(4) a copy of the order made under section 146.

1983, c. 41, s. 161.


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Provisions applicable.

162. Sections 94 to 102 apply, with the necessary modifications, to the report of inquestand any documents accompanying it; however, the report of the peace officer is public ifit has been admitted as evidence at the inquest and when, upon request, the coroner or

Chief Coroner transmits a certified copy of the unexpurgated report and the documentsaccompanying it to the advocate representing the Attorney General at the inquest.


Sections 101 and 102 also apply to an interested person within the meaning of section136.

1983, c. 41, s. 162.

Consultation of documents.

162.1. Notwithstanding section 162, once the coroner has transmitted his report ofinquest, the summons of the witnesses and the documents referred to in paragraphs 1 to 3of section 161 are public and may be consulted by any person. However, the coronermay, if he considers it necessary in the public interest or for the protection of the privacyof a person, his reputation or his right to a just and fair trial, ban the publication or releaseof the summons or documents.

1986, c. 95, s. 289.

CHAPTER VREGULATIONS

Selection of coroners.

163. The Government may, by regulation, establish criteria and procedures for selectingpersons appointed to be permanent or part-time coroners.

1983, c. 41, s. 163; 1985, c. 29, s. 44; 1991, c. 44, s. 7.

Draft regulation.

164. The Government shall publish in the Gazette officielle du Qubec a draft regulationcontemplated in section 163, with a notice indicating that it may be adopted, with orwithout amendments, on the expiry of 30 days from that publication.

Coming into force.

Regulations come into force on the tenth day following that of their publication in theGazette officielle du Qubec or on any later date indicated therein.


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168. The Government may, by regulation, after consultation with the Chief Coroner,adopt tariffs establishing

(1) the remuneration of part-time coroners;

(2) the sums to be reimbursed to the Chief Coroner, Deputy Chief Coroners or coronersfor any expenses made or incurred in the performance of their duties;

(3) the costs of transporting, keeping and preserving dead bodies which a coroner oranother authorized person takes possession of;

(4) the cost of any other service required for the administration of this Act;

(5) the indemnities of the persons summoned to the inquest;

(6) the amount of the charge to be paid for transcribing the stenographic notes and

recordings made at an inquest or for obtaining copy of the transcription;

(7) the amount of the charge to be paid to obtain a certified copy of the report ofinvestigation or inquest or any documents accompanying the reports.

Applicability.

The Government may also, by regulation, determine in which cases, on what conditionsand to which categories of persons the tariffs apply.

1983, c. 41, s. 168; 1985, c. 29, s. 46; 1991, c. 44, s. 9.

Coming into force.

169. The regulations contemplated in section 168 come into force on the tenth dayfollowing that of their publication in the Gazette officielle du Qubec or on any later dateindicated therein.

1983, c. 41, s. 169.

CHAPTER VIPENAL PROVISIONS

Offences.

170. Every person is guilty of an offence who, by act or omission,

(1) contravenes section 34, the second paragraph of section 35, sections 36 to 43 orsection 78;


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(2) does not comply with a regulation made under section 167 to contravene which is anoffence;

(3) does not comply with an order of the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or acoroner, except where this Act stipulates that non-compliance with the order constitutes

contempt of court;

(4) hinders or attempts to hinder the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner, a coroneror a person authorized to act under this Act, in the performance of his duties.

1983, c. 41, s. 170.

Fine.

171. Every person convicted of an offence under any provision of section 170 is liable toa fine of $125 to $3,050 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of

$250 to $6,075.

1983, c. 41, s. 171; 1990, c. 4, s. 746; 1991, c. 33, s. 115.

172. (Repealed).

1983, c. 41, s. 172; 1990, c. 4, s. 747.

CHAPTER VIICONTEMPT OF COURT

Contempt of court.

173. A coroner may condemn any person who is guilty of contempt of court in hispresence, provided that person has been given the opportunity to be heard.

1983, c. 41, s. 173.

Hearing.

174. Where a person is guilty of contempt of court out of the presence of the coroner, thelatter, the Chief Coroner or the Attorney General may, on a motion, apply to the SuperiorCourt for an order enjoining that person to appear before the Court, on the day and at thetime specified, to hear proof of the acts with which he is charged and to urge any groundsof defense he may have.

Order.


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The motion for obtaining such order may be presented without being served. However,the order to appear must be served on the person summoned in accordance with the Codeof Civil Procedure (chapter C-25).

1983, c. 41, s. 174.

Judgment.

175. Judgment for contempt of court is rendered after summary hearing.

Execution.

If the judgment contains a conviction, it must state the penalty imposed and set forth thefacts on which it is based; it is executory as a judgment rendered in a penal matter.

1983, c. 41, s. 175; 1990, c. 4, s. 748.

Penalties.

176. Every person convicted of contempt of court under this Act is liable to the penaltiesmentioned in the first paragraph of article 51 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25).

1983, c. 41, s. 176; 1990, c. 4, s. 749.

Appeal.

177. An appeal lies to the Court of Appeal from any conviction or acquittal for contemptof court.

1983, c. 41, s. 177.

CHAPTER VIIIGENERAL PROVISIONS

Applicability to the Government.

178. This Act binds the Government and its departments and agencies that aremandataries of the State.

1983, c. 41, s. 178; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

Applicability of the Act.


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of section 3 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29), provided it is made or performedin a facility maintained by an institution within the meaning of the Act respecting healthservices and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5) or within the meaningof the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2), that theprofessional in the field of health is not a civil servant, within the meaning of the Public

Service Act (chapter F-3.1.1), employed at the Laboratoire de mdecine lgale du Qubecor is not bound to the latter by a service contract. In other cases, the costs of theexamination or autopsy are taken out of the sums required for the administration of thisAct.

1983, c. 41, s. 182; 1983, c. 55, s. 161; 1992, c. 21, s. 288, s. 375; 1994, c. 23, s. 23.

Sums required.

183. The sums required for the implementation of this Act are taken out of theappropriations granted annually for such purpose by Parliament.

Sums required.

Notwithstanding the first paragraph, where a coroner conducts an investigation and,where necessary, holds an inquest into the death of a person that has occurred in adisaster in respect of which a state of emergency within the meaning of the CivilProtection Act (chapter S-2.3) was declared, the sums required for the investigation and,where necessary, the inquest, may be taken out of the consolidated revenue fund.

1983, c. 41, s. 183; 2001, c. 76, s. 150.

Minister responsible.

184. The Minister of Public Security is responsible for the administration of this Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 184; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24.

CHAPTER IXTRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

185. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 185.

Permanent coroners.

186. Persons appointed coroners in accordance with the Public Service Act (chapter F-3.1.1) and exercising the duties of coroner in accordance with the Coroners Act (chapterC-68) on the day of coming into force of the first paragraph of section 5 of this Actbecome permanent coroners within the meaning of this Act.


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Part-time coroners.

Other persons appointed coroners in accordance with the Coroners Act and who are inoffice on the day of coming into force of the second paragraph of section 5 of this Act

become part-time coroners within the meaning of this Act.

Salary, benefits and pension plan.

Notwithstanding sections 19 and 20, a permanent coroner contemplated in the firstparagraph shall receive the same salary and benefit by the same pension plan and socialbenefits to which he was entitled before the coming into force of this section.

1983, c. 41, s. 186; 1983, c. 55, s. 161.

Change of territory.

187. The Chief Coroner may change the territory in which coroners in office on the dayof coming into force of this section may exercise their duties, notwithstanding any specialclause in that respect in their deed of appointment.

1983, c. 41, s. 187.

Investigations or inquests in progress.

188. Any investigation or inquest in progress under the Coroners Act (chapter C-68) atthe coming into force of section 185 is completed in accordance with the said Act, but nocoroner may find on a person's civil liability or criminal responsibility. The same ruleapplies to an inquest held to give effect to an investigation in progress.


Sections 86 to 90 and 141 to 148 and Chapter VII apply to such an investigation orinquest if they are then in force.

1983, c. 41, s. 188.

Regulations in force.

189. Regulations made under the Coroners Act (chapter C-68) remain in force until theyare replaced or repealed under this Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 189.

190. (Omitted).


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1983, c. 41, s. 190.

191. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 191.

192. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 192.

193. (Amendment integrated into c. C-80, s. 12).

1983, c. 41, s. 193.

194. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 194.

195. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 195.

196. (Amendment integrated into c. E-8, s. 6).

1983, c. 41, s. 196.

197. (Amendment integrated into c. E-8, s. 21).

1983, c. 41, s. 197.

198. (Amendment integrated into c. E-8, ss. 34.1-34.2).

1983, c. 41, s. 198.

199. (Amendment integrated into c. I-11, s. 3).

1983, c. 41, s. 199.

200. (Amendment integrated into c. I-11, s. 16).

1983, c. 41, s. 200.

201. (Amendment integrated into c. J-2, s. 4).

1983, c. 41, s. 201.


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1983, c. 41, s. 213.

SCHEDULE I

OATH OF THE CORONER

I declare under oath, that I will discharge the duties of my office of coroner honestly,impartially and justly, and I will not accept any sum of money or other consideration forwhat I may do in discharging the duties of my office apart from what will be allowed tome by law.

1983, c. 41, Schedule I; 1985, c. 29, s. 47; 1991, c. 44, s. 10; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

SCHEDULE II

OATH OF THE CHIEF CORONER AND DEPUTY CHIEF CORONERS

I declare under oath that I will discharge the duties of my office of Chief Coroner (orDeputy Chief Coroner) honestly, impartially and justly, and I will not accept any sum ofmoney or other consideration for what I may do in discharging the duties of my officeapart from what will be allowed to me by law.

1983, c. 41, Schedule II; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

REPEAL SCHEDULES

In accordance with section 17 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes andregulations (chapter R-3), chapter 41 of the statutes of 1983, in force on 1 March 1985, isrepealed, except sections 190 to 192 and 213, effective from the coming into force ofchapter R-0.2 of the Revised Statutes.

In accordance with section 17 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes andregulations (chapter R-3), section 103.1 of chapter 41 of the statutes of 1983, in force on1 March 1986, is repealed effective from the coming into force of the updating to 1March 1986 of chapter R-0.2 of the Revised Statutes.

In accordance with section 9 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes andregulations (chapter R-3), sections 1 to 4, 34 to 40, 42 to 44, 44.1, 45 to 103, 103.2 to103.6, 104 to 162, 170 to 182, 185 to 188, 191 and 193 to 211 of chapter 41 of thestatutes of 1983, in force on 1 September 1986, are repealed effective from the cominginto force of the updating to 1 September 1986 of chapter R-0.2 of the Revised Statutes.

An Act respecting the determination of the causes and circumstances of death

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Transcript of An Act respecting the determination of the causes and circumstances of death