The Fatality Inquiries Act

The Fatality Inquiries Act, C.C.S.M. c. F52 (Assented to March 8, 1990) bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section 1 Definitions and interpretation ADMINISTRATION 2 Medical examiners, chief medical examiner 3 Investigator 4 Oath of office and allegiance 5 Appointments and oaths prior to Act 6 Reporting of death 7 Duties of medical examiner and investigator, conflict of interest, inquiry as to death INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS INTO DEATHS 7.1 Deaths that require an inquiry 7.2 Inquiry into deaths that occur outside Manitoba 7.3 Inquiry into a death 7.4 Inquiry report 8 Where unable to make prompt inquiry 9 Investigation after inquiry 10 Death of child or young adult reported to Advocate for Children and Youth 11 Cordoning off scene of death, removal of objects 12 Autopsy 13 Removal and disposal of body part 14 Investigation report 15 Release of body 16 Limitations on burial, cremation or disposal 17 Medical certificate within 48 hours 18 Medical certificate after inquiry CALLING AN INQUEST 19 Decision to hold inquest 19.1 CME to direct holding of inquest 20-22 Repealed 23 Renumbered as section 36.1 24 Renumbered as section 36.2 25 Repealed 26 Assigning judge for inquest 26.1 Effect of criminal proceedings, continuation by another judge 26.2 Purpose of inquest 27 Inquest counsel 28 Interested persons may attend inquest and examine witnesses 29 Witness objection to self-incriminating questions 30 Rules re witnesses 31 Inquest open or in camera 32 Medical examiners evidence 33 Inquest report 33.1 Completion of inquest report 33.2 Inquest report when Chief Judge presiding 34 Renumbered as section 26.1 35 Repealed GENERAL MATTERS 36 No removal of body without approval 36.1 Removal of body to morgue 36.2 Investigation where injury likely to cause death 37 Right to enter and remove body 38 Disinterment 39 Police officer to assist 40 Certification of death where no body 41 Handling of objects and premises 42 Records to be kept by CME, disclosure of information 43 Report on fatalities in institutions, annual statistical report 43.1 Providing information about deaths resulting from medical assistance in dying 44 Regulations 45 C.C.S.M. reference 46 Repeal 47 Coming into force HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows: INTERPRETATION Definitions 1(1) In this Act, "autopsy" means the dissection of a body following exposure of cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities for the purpose of macroscopic and microscopic examination of organs and tissues of the body to determine the cause or causes of death, the manner of death or the identity of the deceased and includes toxicological, biochemical, microbiological, serological, radiological tests and other laboratory processes where performed as a necessary part of an examination; (« autopsie ») "body" means a dead human body and includes a part of a dead human body and the remains of a dead human body; (« cadavre ») "cause of death" means the medical cause of death according to the most recent version of the International Classification of Diseases as published by the World Health Organization; (« cause du décès ») "Chief Judge" means the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba; (« juge en chef ») "child" means a person under the age of majority; (« enfant ») "custodial facility" means (a) a custodial facility as defined in The Correctional Services Act , (b) premises operated by a police service where people are detained, or (c) a prescribed facility; (« établissement correctionnel ») "document" includes electronic data; (« document ») "duly qualified medical practitioner" means a physician who holds a valid certificate of practice issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba under The Regulated Health Professions Act ; (« médecin ») "external examination" means the examination of an unclothed body with or without removal of body tissue or fluids for the purpose of a toxicological examination; (« examen externe ») "inquiry" means an inquiry under section 7.3; (« enquête ») "inquiry report" means a report submitted to the chief medical examiner under subsection 7.4(1); (« rapport d'enquête ») "investigation" means an investigation under section 9 including, where applicable, an external examination or autopsy; (« investigation ») "investigation report" means a report submitted to the chief medical examiner under subsection 14(1); (« rapport d'investigation ») "investigator" means a person appointed under subsection 3(1) and does not include a police officer to whom section 39 applies; (« investigateur ») "manner of death" means the way in which a person dies or a death occurs, whether natural, homicidal, suicidal, accidental or undetermined, and does not include the cause of death; (« nature d'un décès ») "medical certificate" means a medical certificate as prescribed under The Vital Statistics Act ; (« certificat médical ») "medical examiner" means a person appointed under subsection 2(1) and includes the chief medical examiner; (« médecin légiste ») "member of the family" means a surviving parent, spouse, sibling or child of the deceased and, in the absence of a surviving spouse, includes a person, if any, with whom the deceased cohabited at the time of death and for at least one year prior to the death and the children of the person where the deceased, at the time of the death, stood in the place of a parent with respect to such children; (« membre de la famille ») "minister" means the member of the Executive Council charged with the administration of this Act; (« ministre ») "pathologist" means a duly qualified medical practitioner who is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba as a medical practitioner who specializes in laboratory medicine; (« pathologiste ») "prescribed" means prescribed by regulation under this Act. (Version anglaise seulement) Interpretation: death that requires an inquiry 1(1.1) In this Act, a "death that requires an inquiry" refers to any type of death set out in subsection 7.1(1). Interpretation 1(2) In this Act, an inquest is completed when all evidence and submissions have been received by the presiding provincial judge. S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 2 ; S.M. 2007, c. 14, s. 2 ; S.M. 2009, c. 15, s. 235 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 3 . ADMINISTRATION Appointment of chief medical examiner 2(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint a pathologist as the chief medical examiner for the province. Appointment of medical examiners 2(1.1) The minister, on the recommendation of the chief medical examiner, may appoint persons who are duly qualified medical practitioners as medical examiners. Termination of appointment 2(2) The appointment of a medical examiner terminates upon (a) the medical examiner ceasing to be a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province of Manitoba; (b) the medical examiner submitting a resignation in writing to the minister; (c) the medical examiner ceasing to reside in Manitoba; or (d) with respect to a medical examiner other than the chief medical examiner, revocation of the appointment by order of the chief medical examiner under clause (5)⁠(d). Automatic suspension of appointment 2(3) The appointment of a medical examiner is suspended during a period that the certificate of practice of the medical examiner as a medical practitioner is suspended by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province of Manitoba. Duties of chief medical examiner 2(4) The chief medical examiner shall (a) supervise the work of medical examiners and investigators; (b) establish and maintain, for purposes of this Act, the professional standards applicable to medical examiners and investigators; (c) regulate and facilitate the education and training of medical examiners and investigators in areas relevant to their responsibilities under this Act; and (d) discharge such other responsibilities as are assigned to the chief medical examiner under this Act or a regulation made under this Act or are assigned by the minister for purposes of this Act. Powers of chief medical examiner 2(5) The chief medical examiner may, (a) with respect to a death to which this Act applies (i) direct a medical examiner to conduct an investigation or an investigator to assist a medical examiner in the conduct of an investigation, (ii) direct that an autopsy be performed; (b) regulate the reporting, investigating and recording of deaths by medical examiners and investigators; (c) remove a medical examiner or an investigator from an investigation or part of an investigation; (d) suspend or revoke, for cause, the appointment of a medical examiner; (e) regulate disposals under subsection 13(2); and (f) exercise any of the powers of a medical examiner under this Act. Acting chief medical examiner 2(6) The chief medical examiner may appoint a medical examiner to act in the place of the chief medical examiner for a period during which the chief medical examiner, by reason of illness, absence or other disability, is unable to perform the duties of chief medical examiner. Death, incapacity or suspension of CME 2(7) In the event of the death, incapacity or suspension of the medical licence of the chief medical examiner, the minister may appoint a medical examiner to act in the place of the chief medical examiner until a new chief medical examiner is appointed or the chief medical examiner resumes the duties of the chief medical examiner. S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 3 ; S.M. 2009, c. 15, s. 235 . Appointment of investigator 3(1) The chief medical examiner may appoint a person who is not a duly qualified medical practitioner to act as an investigator. Powers and duties of investigator 3(2) An investigator appointed under subsection (1) shall have the powers and duties of a medical examiner other than (a) [repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 5 ; (b) to commence or conduct an investigation; or (c) to order or perform an external examination or autopsy. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 5 . Oath of office and allegiance 4 A person appointed as chief medical examiner, as a medical examiner or as an investigator shall, before entering upon the duties of the office, take and subscribe an oath of office and an oath of allegiance. Subsisting appointments 5(1) An appointment of a medical examiner made before the coming into force of this Act is deemed to be an appointment of the medical examiner under this Act. Oaths of previous appointees 5(2) An oath of office sworn by a medical examiner before the coming into force of this Act is deemed to be an oath of office as sworn by the medical examiner under this Act. Reporting deaths 6(1) A person who is a witness to or has knowledge of a death that requires an inquiry shall immediately report the death to a medical examiner, an investigator or to the police. Police report to medical examiner 6(2) Where a police officer receives a report under subsection (1), the officer shall immediately convey the report to a medical examiner or investigator. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 6 . Jurisdiction of ME and investigator 7(1) Unless otherwise directed by the chief medical examiner, a medical examiner or investigator has jurisdiction throughout the province. Duties of medical examiner 7(2) A medical examiner shall act according to the directions and under the supervision of the chief medical examiner and, in addition to performing the duties elsewhere assigned under this Act, shall (a) maintain records of deaths reported to the medical examiner and provide regular reports on the deaths to the chief medical examiner; and (b) discharge the duties that are assigned to a medical examiner under The Vital Statistics Act and The Human Tissue Gift Act . Conflict of interest for ME 7(3) Where, in respect of a death to which this Act applies, a medical practitioner (a) treated the deceased person prior to the death; (b) is a partner of a medical practitioner who treated the deceased person prior to the death; (c) was, at the time of the death, a member of the medical staff at the hospital where the death occurred or later becomes and is a member of the medical staff at the hospital; or (d) has an interest, whether professional or personal, that conflicts with the duties of a medical examiner under this Act; the medical practitioner shall not act as a medical examiner in respect of the death unless the medical practitioner first discloses to the chief medical examiner the applicable circumstances under clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d) and the chief medical examiner authorizes the medical practitioner to act as a medical examiner in respect of the death. Conflict of interest for investigator 7(4) A medical examiner shall not engage a person to act as an investigator where the person has an interest, whether professional or personal, that conflicts with the duties of an investigator under this Act, unless the medical examiner first advises the chief medical examiner of the conflict and the chief medical examiner authorizes the medical examiner to engage the person as an investigator. 7(5) to (10) [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 7 . S.M. 1993, c. 29, s. 182 ; S.M. 2005, c. 42, s. 14 ; S.M. 2016, c. 21, s. 1 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 7 . INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS INTO DEATHS Deaths that require an inquiry 7.1(1) An inquiry into a death is to be conducted under section 7.3 if it appears that the death occurred (a) due to accident; (b) by suicide or homicide; (c) suddenly and unexpectedly when the deceased appeared to be in good health; (d) due to poisoning; (e) due to a contagious disease that is a threat to public health; (f) during pregnancy, or following pregnancy in circumstances that might reasonably be related to pregnancy; (g) in any of the following circumstances: (i) during surgery or the performance of an invasive medical procedure, (ii) within 10 days after surgery or the performance of an invasive medical procedure, (iii) while the deceased was under anaesthesia; (h) within 24 hours after the deceased attends at a hospital seeking admission; (i) while the deceased is in the custody of a peace officer or as the result of the use of force by a peace officer who was acting in the course of duty; (j) as the result of (i) contracting a disease or condition, (ii) sustaining an injury, or (iii) exposure to a toxic substance, at the deceased's current or former place of employment or business; (k) while the deceased is a resident in a facility under The Mental Health Act ; (l) while the deceased is imprisoned or detained in a correctional facility, jail or penitentiary; (m) when the deceased is a child; (n) in a prescribed type or class of facility or institution; or (o) in prescribed circumstances. Interpretation: suicide and homicide 7.1(2) For the purpose of clause (1)⁠(b), the terms "suicide" and "homicide" do not include a death that is a result of the provision of medical assistance in dying as defined in section 241.1 of the Criminal Code (Canada). S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 8 ; S.M. 2023, c. 19, s. 91 ; S.M. 2025, c. 11, s. 3 . Inquiry into deaths that occur outside Manitoba 7.2(1) If the death of a Manitoba resident occurs outside Manitoba in circumstances where an inquiry into the death would have been required if the death had occurred in Manitoba, the chief medical examiner may, in his or her discretion, direct a medical examiner or investigator to conduct an inquiry into the death. Application 7.2(2) When the chief medical examiner makes a direction under subsection (1) , all provisions of this Act apply to the death as if it had occurred in Manitoba. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 8 . Inquiry into a death 7.3(1) When a medical examiner or investigator becomes aware of a death that occurs in any of the circumstances set out in subsection 7.1(1), he or she must conduct a prompt inquiry to determine (a) the identity of the deceased; (b) the date, time and place of death; (c) the cause of death; (d) the manner of death; (e) the circumstances in which the death occurred; and (f) whether the death warrants an investigation. Taking charge of body 7.3(2) When an inquiry is commenced into a death (a) the medical examiner or investigator conducting the inquiry must take charge of the body; or (b) a police officer must (i) take charge of the body when directed to do so by a medical examiner or investigator, and (ii) comply with any additional directions from a medical examiner or investigator respecting the handling and transportation of the body. Inquiry if no body 7.3(3) A medical examiner or investigator must conduct an inquiry into a death even if the body has not been recovered or located. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 8 . Inquiry report 7.4(1) The medical examiner or investigator conducting an inquiry must prepare a written report setting out his or her findings on the matters set out in subsection 7.3(1). No opinion on culpability 7.4(2) The medical examiner or investigator must not express an opinion in an inquiry report with respect to culpability for the death. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 8 . Where unable to make prompt inquiry 8 Where a medical examiner or investigator is unable to make prompt inquiry with respect to any or all of the matters described in subsection 7.3(1), the medical examiner or the investigator, as the case may be, shall request another medical examiner or investigator to make the inquiry and shall record the death and the reasons why the medical examiner or investigator is unable to make the prompt inquiry. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 9 . Investigation after inquiry 9(1) Where, after an inquiry, a medical examiner or investigator determines that a death warrants an investigation, an investigation shall be commenced immediately by, (a) where a medical examiner made the inquiry, the medical examiner; (b) where an investigator made the inquiry, the medical examiner who is directed by the chief medical examiner to conduct the investigation; unless the chief medical examiner otherwise directs under subsection (5). Mandatory investigation 9(2) In the case of a death that might be the result of an accident, suicide, homicide or other unnatural cause, an investigation is warranted and must be commenced in accordance with clause (1)⁠(a) or (b). Investigator to assist medical examiner 9(3) With respect to an investigation commenced under clause (1)⁠(b), the investigator who conducted the inquiry shall, unless the chief medical examiner otherwise directs, assist the medical examiner in the investigation and continue with the investigation under the direction of the medical examiner. ME has exclusive jurisdiction 9(4) Subject to subsection (6), a medical examiner who commences an investigation under subsection (1) has exclusive jurisdiction to conduct the investigation. Investigation directed by CME 9(5) Notwithstanding commencement of an investigation by a medical examiner under subsection (1), the chief medical examiner may direct a medical examiner, other than the medical examiner under subsection (1), to commence an investigation with respect to any or all of the matters described in subsection 7.3(1). Successor ME has exclusive jurisdiction 9(6) A medical examiner who is directed under subsection (5) to commence an investigation assumes, in succession to the medical examiner under subsection (1), exclusive jurisdiction to investigate the matters under subsection 7.3(1) for which the medical examiner under subsection (5) is directed to commence an investigation. Examination of records 9(7) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in an Act of the Legislature, for the purpose of an investigation, a medical examiner or an investigator may examine and extract information — including personal health information as defined in The Personal Health Information Act — from a record, file or document held by a person or by a department or agency of government and that relates to the deceased and may make a copy of a record, file or document, or a part thereof, that the medical examiner or investigator considers relevant to the investigation. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 10 . Death of child or young adult reported to Advocate for Children and Youth 10(1) Upon learning that a child or a young adult under 21 years of age has died in Manitoba, the chief medical examiner must notify the Advocate for Children and Youth of the death. Reports to be given to Advocate 10(2) If the Advocate has jurisdiction to review the death of a child or young adult under Part 4 of The Advocate for Children and Youth Act , the chief medical examiner must provide to the Advocate, upon request, (a) a copy of the medical examiner's report on the manner and cause of death; and (b) a copy of the final autopsy report, if one has been ordered by the medical examiner and the Advocate requires it for the review. S.M. 1999, c. 10, s. 2 ; S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 4 ; S.M. 2007, c. 14, s. 2 ; S.M. 2017, c. 8, s. 45 . Cordoning off scene of death 11(1) A medical examiner or investigator, for purposes of an inquiry or investigation, may cordon off a scene, area or place where (a) the deceased person suffered the injuries or acquired the condition that led to the death; (b) the body of the deceased person is found; for a period not exceeding 48 hours or such greater period as the chief medical examiner approves. Extension of cordoning off period 11(2) The period described in subsection (1) may be extended by the chief medical examiner for a further period. Personal property of deceased 11(3) For the purposes of an inquiry or investigation, a medical examiner or investigator shall take charge of objects that are or might be items of personal property of the deceased and that are found on or near the body of the deceased or at the scene or in the area or near the scene or area where the body of the deceased is found. Removal of objects from scene 11(4) For the purposes of an inquiry or investigation, a medical examiner or investigator may remove objects from a scene or area that is cordoned off under subsection (1), whether or not the objects are items of personal property of the deceased. Prohibition of removal 11(5) A medical examiner or investigator may prohibit, until an investigation is completed, the removal of objects from a scene or area that is cordoned off under subsection (1). Section 41 applies 11(6) Section 41 applies to objects that are removed under subsection (3) or (4). Autopsy 12(1) If a medical examiner conducting an investigation determines that an autopsy is required, he or she must engage a pathologist to perform the autopsy. External examination 12(1.1) If a medical examiner conducting an investigation determines that an external examination is required, he or she must engage a pathologist to perform the examination, unless the chief medical examiner authorizes the medical examiner to perform the external examination. 12(2) [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 11 . Authorization for forensic specialists 12(3) A medical examiner shall not engage a forensic specialist for consultative services in respect of an autopsy without prior authorization from the chief medical examiner. Autopsy report 12(4) A person who performs an autopsy under this Act must submit an autopsy report to the chief medical examiner in accordance with directions from the chief medical examiner. 12(4.1) [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 11 . Exclusion from autopsy 12(5) The chief medical examiner may exclude a person from an autopsy. 12(6) [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 11 . S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 5 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 11 . Removal of body parts 13(1) Where a person is authorized under an Act of the Legislature or under this Act to perform an autopsy, the person may, for the purposes of the autopsy, excise or remove a part of the body for a scientific or laboratory examination. Disposal of body part 13(2) Upon completion of a scientific or laboratory examination under subsection (1), the person who excised the body part shall not dispose of the part except with the approval of the chief medical examiner. Investigation report 14(1) When a medical examiner has completed an investigation into a death, he or she must provide the chief medical examiner with a written report that includes the following: (a) the medical examiner's determination of the cause and manner of death; (b) identification of the documents on which the report relies; (c) a recommendation as to whether an inquest into the death is advisable, including the reasons for the recommendation. Opinions on culpability 14(2) In an investigation report, a medical examiner shall not express an opinion with respect to culpability in such manner that a person is or could be identified as a culpable party. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 12 . Release of body after inquiry 15(1) A medical examiner or investigator may, upon completion of an inquiry, release a body for burial or other disposition unless the death warrants an investigation. Release of body during investigation 15(2) Where a body is no longer required for purposes of an external examination or autopsy, a medical examiner may, before completion of an investigation, release the body for burial or other disposition. Medical certificate 15(3) Where a medical examiner releases a body under subsection (2), the medical examiner shall sign and immediately send a medical certificate to an event registrar appointed under The Vital Statistics Act . Supplemental medical certificate 15(4) Where a medical certificate under subsection (3) is incomplete, the medical examiner who signed the certificate shall, after completion of an investigation or, where an inquest is directed, after completion of the inquest, send to an event registrar appointed under The Vital Statistics Act a supplemental medical certificate providing such additional information as may be required. S.M. 2001, c. 5, s. 35 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 13 . Prohibition 16(1) Notwithstanding The Vital Statistics Act , no person shall bury, cremate, remove from the province or otherwise dispose of a body of a person who dies in the province before (a) a medical certificate is delivered in accordance with subsection 14(3) of The Vital Statistics Act ; and (b) a burial permit is obtained under The Vital Statistics Act . No burial without permission 16(2) In the case of a death that requires an inquiry , no person shall (a) prepare the body for burial, bury it or cause it to be buried; (b) prepare the body for cremation, cremate it or cause it to be cremated; (c) remove the body from the province; or (d) otherwise dispose of the body; without the approval of a medical examiner or an investigator. View body and examine certificate 16(3) For purposes of clause (2)⁠(a), (b) or (d), a medical examiner shall not give approval under subsection (2) without (a) viewing the body or the body being viewed by an investigator or by a person of a class designated in writing by the chief medical examiner; and (b) examining the medical certificate that relates to the body. Examine medical certificate 16(4) For purposes of clause (2)⁠(c), a medical examiner shall not give approval under subsection (2) without examining the medical certificate that relates to the body. S.M. 1998, c. 45, s. 7 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 14 . Medical certificate within 48 hours 17(1) A medical examiner must request a physician or nurse practitioner who attended a deceased during the deceased's last illness to issue a medical certificate if the medical examiner (a) learns that no such physician or nurse practitioner has issued a medical certificate within 48 hours of the death; and (b) is satisfied that this Act does not apply to the death. Medical examiner to issue certificate 17(2) Subject to subsection (3), a medical examiner may issue a medical certificate if (a) the medical examiner is unable to promptly reach any physician or nurse practitioner who attended the deceased during the deceased's last illness to request issuance of the medical certificate; or (b) a medical certificate is not immediately issued by any physician or nurse practitioner requested to do so by the medical examiner under subsection (1). Medical examiner to take action 17(3) Where a medical examiner under subsection (2) does not have sufficient information to issue a medical certificate, the medical examiner shall deem the death to be a death that requires an inquiry. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 15 ; S.M. 2019, c. 11, s. 11 . Medical certificate after inquiry 18(1) After an inquiry, a medical examiner or an investigator may direct a physician or nurse practitioner who attended a deceased during the deceased's last illness to issue a medical certificate if (a) the medical examiner or investigator determines that the death does not warrant an investigation and the manner of death is natural; and (b) the cause of the death is known to the physician or the nurse practitioner. Notation on medical certificate 18(2) A physician or a nurse practitioner who issues a medical certificate under subsection (1) shall make a notation on the medical certificate indicating that the medical certificate is issued on the direction of the medical examiner or investigator and the name of the medical examiner or investigator. Certificate sufficient for Vital Statistics 18(3) A medical certificate issued under subsection (1) is deemed to be a medical certificate issued by a medical examiner for purposes of The Vital Statistics Act . S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 16 ; S.M. 2019, c. 11, s. 11 . CALLING AN INQUEST Decision to hold inquest 19(1) Following a review of the investigation report of a death, the chief medical examiner must determine if an inquest into the death should be held. Considerations 19(2) The chief medical examiner may determine that an inquest should be held if he or she is of the opinion that (a) an inquest is necessary to determine the cause or manner of death or the exact circumstances in which the death occurred; or (b) an inquest may enable the presiding provincial judge to recommend changes to provincial laws or the programs, policies and practices of the provincial government or of public agencies or institutions to prevent deaths in similar circumstances. Discretion if other review being conducted 19(3) The chief medical examiner may determine that an inquest should not be held if (a) the cause and manner of death and the circumstances in which a death occurred are already known; and (b) a review into the death has been or will be conducted under another Act that will result in recommendations to prevent deaths in similar circumstances. CME may make recommendations 19(4) The chief medical examiner may determine that an inquest into a death should not be held if (a) the cause and manner of death and the circumstances in which the death occurred are already known; and (b) he or she has made recommendations to the minister and any other person he or she considers appropriate on measures to prevent deaths in similar circumstances. Presumption of inquest 19(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), an inquest into a death must be held if (a) the chief medical examiner has reasonable grounds to believe that the deceased person died as the result of the use of force by a peace officer who was acting in the course of duty; or (b) at the time of death, the deceased person was (i) in the custody of a peace officer, (ii) a resident in a custodial facility, or (iii) an involuntary resident in a facility under The Mental Health Act , (iv) [repealed] S.M. 2025, c. 11, s. 3 . Exception 19(6) An inquest is not required if a death occurred in any of the circumstances set out in clause (5)⁠(b) if the chief medical examiner is satisfied that (a) the death was due to natural causes and was not preventable and the public interest would not be served by holding an inquest into the death; or (b) there was no meaningful connection between the death and the nature or quality of supervision or care provided to the deceased person by reason of the deceased person's status or circumstances as set out in clause (5)⁠(b). No inquest if public inquiry to be held 19(7) An inquest is not required if the death is or will be the subject of a public inquiry called under Part V of The Manitoba Evidence Act or the Inquiries Act (Canada). S.M. 1993, c. 29, s. 182 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 18 ; S.M. 2023, c. 19, s. 91 ; S.M. 2025, c. 11, s. 3 . CME to direct holding of inquest 19.1(1) If the chief medical examiner determines that an inquest into a death should be held, he or she must direct the Chief Judge to assign a provincial judge to conduct the inquest. Single inquest for multiple deaths 19.1(2) The chief medical examiner may direct the Chief Judge to arrange for a single inquest to be held into two or more deaths if the facts or circumstances relating to those deaths are the same or are sufficiently similar that separate inquests are not required. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 18 . 20 to 22 [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 19 . 23 [Renumbered as section 36.1] 24 [Renumbered as section 36.2] 25 [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 22 . Assigning judge for inquest 26(1) When the Chief Judge receives a direction to hold an inquest, he or she must assign a provincial judge to conduct the inquest. Inquest cancelled if public inquiry called 26(2) If a public inquiry into a death is called under Part V of The Manitoba Evidence Act or the Inquiries Act (Canada) after a direction to hold an inquest has been made, the inquest is cancelled. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 23 . Effect of criminal proceedings on inquest 26.1(1) Where, before commencement or completion of an inquest, a criminal charge is preferred in respect of the death that is the subject of the inquest, the presiding provincial judge must postpone or adjourn the inquest pending determination or conduct of a hearing on the criminal charge. Inquest after criminal proceedings completed 26.1(2) Subject to subsection (2.1), an inquest may proceed when a criminal charge in respect of the death has been finally determined. Cancelling inquest 26.1(2.1) The presiding provincial judge may cancel an inquest if he or she is satisfied that (a) the circumstances of the death have been adequately examined in the criminal proceedings; and (b) the public interest would not be served by holding an inquest into the death. Notice to minister 26.1(2.2) If the presiding provincial judge cancels an inquest under subsection (2.1), he or she must file a report with the minister setting out the reasons why the inquest was cancelled. Limitation on inquest provincial judge 26.1(3) A provincial judge who holds an inquest or part of an inquest in respect of a death shall not preside at a preliminary inquiry or trial of a person who is charged with an offence in connection with the death. Judge unable to complete inquest 26.1(4) If the judge presiding over an inquest (a) resigns, retires or is appointed to another court, and is unable to complete the inquest and the required report within the period during which he or she remains seized of the matter under subsection 6(1) of The Provincial Court Act ; or (b) is unable for any other reason to complete the inquest and the required report; the Chief Judge shall direct another provincial judge to complete the matter or to conduct a new inquest. S.M. 2010, c. 33, s. 19 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 29 . Purpose of inquest 26.2(1) An inquest is a non-adversarial proceeding held for the sole purpose of establishing the facts necessary to enable the presiding provincial judge to prepare a report into the death under section 33. Inquest not a civil or criminal proceeding 26.2(2) An inquest is not subject to the same rules of procedure and evidence that apply in civil or criminal proceedings. Orders and directions 26.2(3) The presiding provincial judge may make such orders and directions as he or she considers appropriate for the fair and expeditious determination of the issues at the inquest. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 24 . Inquest counsel 27 When a direction to hold an inquest has been made, the minister must appoint a member of the Law Society of Manitoba to act as counsel for the inquest. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 25 . Inquest attendance by interested persons 28(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who, in the opinion of the provincial judge presiding at an inquest, is substantially and directly interested in the inquest, may attend the inquest in person or by counsel and may question witnesses called at the inquest. Judge may limit examination 28(2) A provincial judge presiding at an inquest may limit questioning under subsection (1) where the questioning is vexatious or is beyond what is necessary for the purpose of the inquest. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 26 . Witness deemed to object to questions 29 Notwithstanding a failure to so declare before testifying, a witness called at an inquest is deemed to object to answer the questions put to the witness on the ground that the answers of the witness might tend to criminate the witness or to establish liability to a legal proceeding against the witness. Subpoena to witness 30(1) A provincial judge may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses at an inquest. Separation of witness 30(2) A provincial judge may direct that a witness be kept separate from another witness or from other witnesses generally. Application of Criminal Code 30(3) Sections 20 and 527 and Part XXII of the Criminal Code , to the extent that they relate to a witness, apply, with such modifications as the circumstances require, to proceedings under this Act. 30(4) [Repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 40, s. 33 . Taking down the evidence 30(5) The evidence of witnesses at an inquest shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of The Provincial Offences Act respecting the taking of evidence of witnesses in proceedings under that Act. S.M. 2013, c. 47, Sch. A, s. 125 ; S.M. 2013, c. 54, s. 33 ; S.M. 2021, c. 40, s. 33 . Inquest open 31(1) Subject to subsection (2), an inquest under this Act shall be open to the public. In camera inquest 31(2) Where a provincial judge charged with conducting an inquest is of the opinion that testimony to be given or other evidence to be introduced at the inquest includes matters that (a) involve public security; (b) are of such a personal nature that, having regard to the circumstances, the privacy of a person would be unreasonably breached; or (c) relate to professional activities that, having regard to the circumstances, the professional reputation of an individual would be damaged unjustifiably; the judge may, on application, order that the inquest or a part of the inquest be conducted in camera. Factors for in camera inquest 31(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a provincial judge shall consider the following matters: (a) the nature of the personal interests or of the professional activities that may be adversely affected by testimony heard or evidence introduced at the inquest; (b) whether disclosure of all or part of the diagnosis or medical records of the deceased or disclosure of a report of a medical examiner (i) would result in injury or harm to the mental or physical welfare of a third party, (ii) would be prejudicial to the interests of a person not involved in the inquest, (iii) has the approval or consent of the legal representative of the deceased; and (c) whether conducting the inquest in camera would be (i) in the interests of justice, or (ii) injurious to the public interest generally. Application for in camera inquest 31(4) A person who (a) is acting as counsel for the inquest; (b) is a member of the family of the deceased; (c) is the legal representative of the deceased; (d) may be adversely affected, personally or professionally, by evidence given at the inquest; or (e) is declared by a provincial judge, on application, to be an interested party; may apply to a provincial judge for an order that an inquest or part of an inquest be conducted in camera. Application in camera 31(5) An application under subsection (4) shall be made in camera. Decision final 31(6) An order made under subsection (2) is final and is not subject to judicial review or appeal. No disclosure of in camera evidence 31(7) Subject to subsection 33(2), where an inquest or part of an inquest is conducted in camera pursuant to an order made under subsection (2), no person shall disclose or cause to be disclosed to another person testimony heard or evidence introduced in camera. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 27 . Report of medical examiner as evidence 32(1) Subject to subsection (2), the report of a medical examiner may be submitted in evidence at an inquest without further proof. Judge may call medical examiner 32(2) The provincial judge presiding at an inquest may require a medical examiner to attend and give evidence at an inquest, in which case the medical examiner is entitled to such fee for attendance as may be prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Inquest report 33(1) After completion of an inquest, the presiding provincial judge must provide the minister with a written report that sets out his or her findings respecting the following: (a) the identity of the deceased; (b) the date, time and place of death; (c) the cause of death; (d) the manner of death; (e) the circumstances in which the death occurred. Recommendations in inquest report 33(1.1) The report under subsection (1) may contain recommendations on changes to provincial laws or the programs, policies and practices of the provincial government or of public agencies or institutions to prevent deaths in similar circumstances. In camera evidence and culpability 33(2) In a report made under subsection (1), a provincial judge (a) may disclose in camera evidence that is received during the inquest where the judge is satisfied that disclosure of the evidence (i) is essential to setting forth when, where and by what means the deceased person died, the cause of death and the material circumstances of the death, and (ii) is in the public interest; (b) shall not express an opinion on, or make a determination with respect to, culpability in such manner that a person is or could be reasonably identified as a culpable party in respect of the death that is the subject of the inquest. Disposition of exhibits by provincial judge 33(3) A provincial judge may order exhibits tendered at an inquest to be disposed of in such manner as the provincial judge considers appropriate. Disposition of exhibits by CME 33(4) Exhibits filed with the chief medical examiner may be disposed of by the chief medical examiner in such manner as the chief medical examiner considers appropriate. Exemption from liability 33(5) No action may be brought against a provincial judge or the chief medical examiner in respect of the disposition of exhibits under subsection (3) or (4). "Exhibits" 33(6) In subsections (3), (4) and (5), " exhibits " does not include a document or thing that is part of a record kept by the chief medical examiner under subsection 42(1). S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 28 . Completion of inquest report 33.1(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (7), the presiding provincial judge shall complete the inquest report no later than six months after completing an inquest. Request for extension 33.1(2) If the presiding provincial judge is unable to complete the inquest report within six months, he or she shall request an extension from the Chief Judge. Timing of request 33.1(3) A request for an extension shall be made no later than six months after the completion of an inquest. Extension from Chief Judge 33.1(4) Within one month after receiving a request for an extension, the Chief Judge may (a) extend the time to complete an inquest report by (i) subject to subclause (ii), no more than three months, or (ii) a period longer than three months if the Chief Judge determines that an inquest involves highly complex matters and that additional time is required to complete the inquest report; and (b) if necessary, relieve the presiding provincial judge of his or her other duties or reduce those duties until the inquest report is completed. Notice of extension 33.1(5) If an extension is granted by the Chief Judge, the presiding provincial judge shall arrange for written notice of the extension (a) to be sent to all persons with standing at the inquest; and (b) to be placed on the inquest file. Failure to complete report 33.1(6) If an extension has been granted and the presiding provincial judge fails to complete an inquest report within that time, the Chief Judge shall refer the failure to the judicial inquiry board to be dealt with in accordance with Part IV of The Provincial Court Act , unless the Chief Judge determines that the presiding provincial judge was unable to complete the report due to extraordinary circumstances. Additional extension 33.1(7) If the Chief Judge determines that the presiding provincial judge was unable to complete the inquest report due to extraordinary circumstances, the Chief Judge may grant an additional extension and notice of the extension shall be provided in accordance with subsection (5). S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 6 . Inquest report when Chief Judge presiding 33.2 If the Chief Judge presides at an inquest and requires an extension to complete the inquest report, he or she shall make a request to the Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench, who shall exercise the powers and duties of the Chief Judge under subsection 33.1. S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 6 . 34 [Renumbered as section 26.1] 35 [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 30 . GENERAL MATTERS No removal of body without approval 36(1) Subject to subsection (2), in the case of a death that requires an inquiry, no person shall remove the body or cause it to be removed unless a medical examiner or investigator approves the removal. Removal by hospital staff 36(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where, in the case of a death that requires an inquiry, removal of the body does not interfere with performance of the responsibilities assigned to the chief medical examiner, a medical examiner or an investigator under this Act, a member of a hospital staff may, where it is necessary and is done in the ordinary course of duty, remove the body without the prior approval of a medical examiner or investigator. Penalty 36(3) Where a person violates the provisions of subsection (1), the person is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding $1000. and, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 32 . Removal of body to morgue 36.1 Where premises are provided by a sanitary, health or municipal authority to be used as a morgue to receive a dead body for the purpose of conducting an autopsy, a medical examiner may order the removal of the dead body to or from the premises. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 20 . Investigation where injury likely to cause death 36.2 Where a medical examiner is of the opinion that an injury suffered by a person is likely to cause the death of the person, the medical examiner may immediately proceed to investigate the matter and may request written statements from witnesses and from the injured person, if possible, as the medical examiner considers necessary or advisable. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 21 . Right of entry 37(1) A medical examiner or investigator, acting in the course or scope of duty, may enter upon premises that the medical examiner or investigator believes, on reasonable and probable grounds, contain a dead body that is, might be or ought to be, the subject of an inquiry or investigation under this Act and may examine the body or remove it for purposes of this Act.

Warrant to remove body from premises 37(2) A justice who is satisfied by information on oath that (a) there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe that premises contain a dead body that is, might be or ought to be, the subject of an inquiry or investigation under this Act; and (b) the person who owns or occupies the premises refuses to give a medical examiner or investigator access to the body or refuses to allow the body to be removed; may at any time issue a warrant authorizing a medical examiner or investigator, together with a peace officer on whom the medical examiner or investigator calls for assistance and such other persons as may be named in the warrant, to enter upon the premises and to examine or remove the body for purposes of this Act. Offence and penalty 37(3) A person who prevents, obstructs or impedes a medical examiner or investigator (a) in the performance of duties assigned under this Act; or (b) from gaining lawful access to, or the removal of, a body to which this Act applies; is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000. and, in default of payment, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months. Conduct deemed obstruction 37(4) For the purpose, and without restricting the generality, of subsection (3), a person who (a) intimidates or attempts to intimidate a medical examiner or investigator in the performance of duties assigned under this Act (i) by threat of violence or injury to the medical examiner or investigator or to a relative of the medical examiner or investigator, or (ii) by threat of destruction or damage to the property of a medical examiner or investigator or of a relative of the medical examiner or investigator; (b) provides to a medical examiner or investigator information that the person knows or ought to know is false; or (c) fails or refuses to provide to a medical examiner or investigator information that the person knows or ought to know is relevant to an inquiry or investigation; prevents, obstructs and impedes the medical examiner or investigator. S.M. 2002, c. 22, s. 7 . Disinterment 38(1) Where, in the opinion of the chief medical examiner, the administration of justice requires that an autopsy or other examination be performed with respect to a body that is buried, the chief medical examiner may order that the body be disinterred and may make such further order as may be required respecting the autopsy and the reburial of the body. Public Health Act not to apply 38(2) The Public Health Act does not apply to a disinterment under subsection (1). S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 33 . Police officer to assist 39(1) A police officer who notifies a medical examiner or investigator of a death that requires an inquiry shall, where requested to do so by the medical examiner or investigator, assist the medical examiner or investigator in making prompt inquiry with respect to the death and, where an investigation is commenced, shall assist the medical examiner in conducting the investigation. Police officer as investigator 39(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a police officer to whom the subsection applies has the powers of an investigator under this Act and shall act under the direction of the medical examiner or investigator, as the case may be. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 34 . Certification of death by CME 40(1) Notwithstanding failure to recover or locate the body of a deceased person whose death requires an inquiry, the chief medical examiner may, after reviewing the inquiry report, certify the death by issuance of a medical certificate. Proof of death for Vital Statistics 40(2) Notwithstanding The Vital Statistics Act , where the chief medical examiner issues a medical certificate under subsection (1), the medical certificate is sufficient proof of death for purposes of The Vital Statistics Act . 40(3) [Repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 35 . S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 35 . Handling of objects taken or removed 41(1) Where a medical examiner or investigator takes charge of or removes objects under subsection 11(3) or (4), the medical examiner or investigator shall prepare an inventory of the objects and shall deliver the objects and the inventory to the police station for the area where the death occurred. Delivery of property to persons entitled 41(2) Upon delivery under subsection (1), the officer in charge at the police station shall notify the chief medical examiner of the delivery and, in the absence of contrary instructions from the chief medical examiner and no sooner than the thirtieth day following the day of delivery, shall, subject to subsection (3), (a) with respect to objects that are items of personal property of the deceased, release the objects to the person who is, or the persons who are, entitled to custody or possession of the personal property of the deceased; (b) with respect to objects that are not personal property of the deceased, release the objects to the lawful owners of the objects. Destruction where necessary 41(3) Where the officer in charge under subsection (2) or the chief medical examiner considers it advisable or necessary for reasons of public health or safety to destroy an object that is taken or removed under subsection 11(3) or (4), the object may be destroyed and not released in accordance with subsection (2). Premises may be padlocked 41(4) A medical examiner or investigator, for the purposes of an inquiry or investigation, may direct a peace officer to secure and padlock the premises, or a part of the premises, where the body of the deceased is found, until further direction of the medical examiner or investigator, in order to preserve and protect the premises or any objects that are found on the premises and that might relate to the manner and cause of the death. Record to be kept by CME 42(1) The chief medical examiner shall keep a record of each inquiry or investigation and the record shall include, where applicable, (a) a copy of the reports of the medical examiner or investigator; (b) the autopsy report; (c) a description or facial photograph of the body of the deceased; and (d) a list of the property and objects mentioned in section 41. Prohibition 42(2) Subject to subsection (3), where a person acting under this Act in respect of a death comes into possession of information or a document that is, or is of a nature that it is likely to become, part of a record kept under subsection (1) in respect of the death, the person shall not, before a report is submitted under subsection 26.1(2.2) or 33(1), disclose the information or release the document to another person except (a) by order of a court; (b) to the chief medical examiner or the minister; (c) to a member of the family of the deceased or a beneficiary of the deceased, with the approval of the legal representative of the deceased, if any; (d) to the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased; (e) to a physician or nurse practitioner who attended the deceased during the deceased's last illness, if any; (f) to an insurer of the life of the deceased; (g) to an official of the hospital where the deceased died; or (h) to a law enforcement official or Crown attorney acting in the course of duty; or (i) to an officer or a Crown counsel who is appointed by the minister to act for the Crown in respect of a death, in which case information or documents forming part of the record kept in respect of the death shall be disclosed or released to the officer or the counsel upon the request of the officer or the counsel. Disclosure with authorization 42(3) The chief medical examiner may, in writing, authorize the disclosure of information or the release of documents to which subsection (2) applies where the disclosure or release does not, having regard to the circumstances, unreasonably breach the privacy of a third party. Considerations before authorization 42(4) Before authorizing a disclosure or release under subsection (3), the chief medical examiner shall consider the matters described in clauses 31(3)⁠(a) to (c). Recipient bound by confidentiality 42(5) Subject to section 32, a person to whom information is disclosed or a document is released under subsection (2) or (3) shall not disclose the information or give the document or a copy of the document to another person without prior written authorization from the chief medical examiner. Record of disclosure 42(6) Where, under subsection (3) or (5), information is disclosed or a document is released, the person making the disclosure or allowing the release shall record and transmit to the chief medical examiner (a) the name of the person to whom the information is disclosed or the document is released; (b) a summary of the information that is disclosed or a description of the document that is released; (c) the date of the disclosure or release. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 36 ; S.M. 2019, c. 11, s. 11 . Report by chief medical examiner 43(1) On or before March 31 each year, the chief medical examiner shall, with respect to each person who, during the year, dies while a resident in a custodial facility in the province or while an involuntary resident in a psychiatric facility as defined in The Mental Health Act , submit a written report to the minister setting out, without mentioning the names of the deceased persons, (a) the name and location of the custodial facility in which the person died or the psychiatric facility in which the person was an involuntary resident at the time of death; (b) the cause of death in each case; and (c) whether an inquest was held or, where an inquest has not been held, whether an inquest is expected to be held; and the minister, within 15 days of receiving the report, shall, (d) if the Legislature is then in session, table the report in the Assembly; (e) if the Legislature is not then in session, table the report in the Assembly within 15 days of the beginning of the next session of the Legislature. Annual statistical report by CME 43(2) The chief medical examiner shall each year prepare and submit to the minister a statistical report relating to the deaths in relation to which action is taken under this Act in the previous year, in such form and manner as is prescribed. S.M. 1993, c. 29, s. 182 ; S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 37 ; S.M. 2023, c. 19, s. 91 ; S.M. 2025, c. 11, s. 3 . Providing information about deaths resulting from medical assistance in dying 43.1(1) If required by the regulations, a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, as defined in section 241.1 of the Criminal Code (Canada), or any other prescribed health professional must provide the specified information about medical assistance in dying to the chief medical examiner or to a designated recipient. Regulations 43.1(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations for the purpose of monitoring medical assistance in dying, including regulations (a) requiring a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or prescribed health professional, or any class of them, to report information relating to medical assistance in dying and specifying the information to be reported; (b) respecting the manner and time in which the information is to be provided; (c) designating a person or entity as the recipient of the information; (d) respecting the use and disclosure of the information. Definition 43.1(3) In this section, "information" includes personal information as defined in The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and personal health information as defined in The Personal Health Information Act . S.M. 2016, c. 21, s. 1 . Regulations 44 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) prescribing forms and their content for use under this Act; (b) prescribing fees and allowances payable to the chief medical examiner, medical examiners and investigators; (c) prescribing fees and allowances payable to duly qualified medical practitioners, other than medical examiners, for services, other than pathologist services, provided under this Act; (d) prescribing fees and allowances payable for (i) transportation and ambulance services, (ii) funeral services, including reimbursement for the cost of caskets, receptacles, clothing and incidental services, (iii) pathologist services, including microscopic and toxicological examinations, (iv) consultative services provided by forensic specialists, (v) use of hospital and morgue facilities, and (vi) copies of documents provided by the chief medical examiner; (e) respecting practices and procedures applicable to external examinations and autopsies performed under this Act; (f) respecting the practices and procedures applicable to medical examiners and investigators for purposes of inquiries and investigations; (g) and (h) [repealed] S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 38 ; (i) respecting the form and manner of making a statistical report under subsection 43(2); (j) respecting expenditures that may be made by a medical examiner or investigator for the purposes of an inquiry or investigation; (k) respecting any matter or thing that by this Act may be prescribed; and (l) generally for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Act. S.M. 2017, c. 15, s. 38 . C.C.S.M. reference 45 This Act may be referred to as chapter F52 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba . Repeal 46 The Fatality Inquiries Act , being chapter F52 of The Re-enacted Statutes of Manitoba, 1987 , is repealed. Coming into force 47 This Act comes into force on a day fixed by proclamation. NOTE: S.M. 1989-90, c. 30 came into force by proclamation on May 14, 1990.