C-68.01 - Coroners Act

Updated to 30 June 2024

This document has official status.

chapter C-68.01

Coroners Act

This Act was formerly entitled “Act respecting the determination of the causes and circumstances of death”. The title was amended by section 1 of chapter 20 of the statutes of 2020.

1983, c. 41; 2020, c. 20, s. 1.

CHAPTER I CORONERS

DIVISION I JURISDICTION OF CORONERS

1. The coroner is a public officer having jurisdiction in respect of any death that has occurred in Québec.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 1.

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 or intoxications having caused, led to or contributed to the death;

(4)  the circumstances of death.

1983, c. 41, s. 2.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 3.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 4.

DIVISION II ORGANIZATION

§ 1 . — Appointment of coroners

5. The Government shall, on the recommendation of the Minister of Public Security, appoint full-time coroners and part-time coroners from among persons declared qualified for appointment to those offices according to the recruiting and selection procedure established by government regulation.

1983, c. 41, s. 5; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2020, c. 20, s. 2.

5.1. Full-time coroners are appointed for a term of five years.

However, the Government may determine a shorter term of a fixed duration in a coroner’s instrument of appointment if the candidate so requests for serious reasons or if special circumstances stated in the instrument of appointment require it.

2020, c. 20, s. 2.

5.2. The term of office of a full-time coroner is renewed for five years, according to the renewal procedure established by government regulation, unless

(1)  the coroner is notified otherwise, at least three months before the expiry of his term, by the agent authorized for that purpose by the Government; or

(2)  the coroner requests otherwise and so notifies the Minister of Public Security at least three months before the expiry of the coroner’s term.

However, the Government may determine a shorter term of a fixed duration in the coroner’s instrument of renewal if the coroner so requests for serious reasons or if special circumstances stated in the instrument of appointment require it.

2020, c. 20, s. 2.

5.3. Part-time coroners are appointed for a fixed term of up to five years which is renewed according to the renewal procedure established by government regulation.

2020, c. 20, s. 2.

6. (Repealed).

1983, c. 41, s. 6; 2020, c. 20, s. 3.

7. The Minister of Public Security may, in special cases, appoint a person to be part-time coroner for the conduct of an investigation and, if need be, an inquest into a death that has occurred in a particular event or into deaths that have occurred in a series of similar events.

1983, c. 41, s. 7; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2020, c. 20, s. 4.

§ 2 . — Appointment of the Chief Coroner and Deputy Chief Coroners

8. The Government shall, on the recommendation of the Minister Public Security, appoint the Chief Coroner from among persons declared qualified for appointment to that office according to the recruiting and selection procedure established by government regulation.

The Government may also, on the recommendation of the Minister and after consultation with the Chief Coroner, appoint up to two Deputy Chief Coroners from among persons declared qualified for appointment to that office according to the recruiting and selection procedure established by government regulation. The Minister shall designate one Deputy Chief Coroner to replace the Chief Coroner when the latter is absent or unable to act or when the office of Chief Coroner is vacant.

1983, c. 41, s. 8; 1999, c. 40, s. 241; 2020, c. 20, s. 5.

9. The Chief Coroner and the Deputy Chief Coroners are appointed for a term of seven years, which may not be renewed.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 9; 2020, c. 20, s. 6.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 10.

§ 3 . — Immunity and removal

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

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

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

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

13. The Chief Coroner and the Deputy Chief Coroners shall perform their duties on a full-time basis.

1983, c. 41, s. 13; 2020, c. 20, s. 7.

13.1. The Minister of Public Security may, in a presumed case of serious fault, provisionally relieve the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or a coroner of the duties of office, with salary, when the urgency of the situation requires prompt intervention.

2020, c. 20, s. 7.

14. The Chief Coroner may reprimand a coroner, for cause. The Government may suspend a coroner, without salary, or remove him on a report of the chief judge of the Court of Québec, or of a judge of that Court designated by the chief judge, 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; 2020, c. 20, s. 8.

15. The Government may remove or suspend, without salary, or reprimand the Chief Coroner or a Deputy Chief Coroner on a report of the chief judge of the Court of Québec, or of a judge of that Court designated by the chief judge, made following an inquiry 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; 2020, c. 20, s. 9.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 16.

17. Except on a matter of jurisdiction, no application for judicial review under the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01) may be exercised nor any injunction granted against the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or a coroner acting in his official capacity or against any person acting under the authority of a coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 17; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 18.

§ 4 . — Remuneration of coroners and other conditions of employment

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

1983, c. 41, s. 19; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 20; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

21. On ceasing to hold office, the Chief Coroner or a Deputy Chief Coroner is appointed as a full-time coroner and continues to receive the salary he received as Chief Coroner or Deputy Chief Coroner. However, his salary is not increased until the salary of a full-time coroner has caught up with it.

1983, c. 41, s. 21; 2020, c. 20, s. 10.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 22.

DIVISION III POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF CORONER AND DEPUTY CHIEF CORONERS

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

The Chief Coroner may also, in particular after having certified a series of deaths that have occurred in similar circumstances, observed a new morbidity phenomenon, or identified within the population a situation involving avoidable mortality risks, issue a notice to better inform the authorities concerned and the population of the risk of death and of the measures that could be implemented to reduce it.

1983, c. 41, s. 23; 2020, c. 20, s. 11.

23.1. The Chief Coroner may, for the period he determines, allow a coroner to complete an investigation or inquest already assigned to the coroner although the latter has resigned or his term has expired.

2020, c. 20, s. 12.

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

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 25.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 26.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 27.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 28.

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

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

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

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

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

The records of the coroners comprise the originals of reports of investigation or inquest and the accompanying documents that the coroners are required to transmit to the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 30.

31. The Chief Coroner may, on the conditions he determines, authorize a person to examine documents that are not public and are part of the records of the coroners but only for purposes of study, instruction or scientific research. However, in no case may the Chief Coroner allow the report of a peace officer to be examined unless it has been filed as 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.

32. The Chief Coroner may

(1)  prescribe 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; 2020, c. 20, s. 13.

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

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

Any agreement entered into with a hospital centre within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S‐5) has effect only from the date it is filed with the regional health and social service council where the hospital centre is located.

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; 2020, c. 20, s. 14.

CHAPTER II NOTICE TO THE CORONER

34. A physician and a specialized nurse practitioner who certify a death for which they are unable to establish the probable causes or which appears to them to have occurred as a result of negligence or in obscure or violent circumstances shall immediately notify a coroner or a peace officer.

They shall do likewise where they are unable to establish the probable causes of a death certified by a nurse other than a specialized nurse practitioner or where such a death appears to them to have occurred as a result of negligence or in obscure or violent circumstances.

1983, c. 41, s. 34; 2011, c. 27, s. 35; 2023, c. 15, s. 49.

34.1. Every person who certifies the death of a woman that occurred while she was pregnant or within 42 days after delivery shall immediately notify a coroner or peace officer.

2020, c. 20, s. 15.

35. Where a death occurs in a facility maintained by an institution operating a hospital centre, the director of professional services or the director of nursing care of the institution or a person under their respective authority may take measures to have the probable causes of death established by a physician or a specialized nurse practitioner, as the case may be.

However, in the case of a death contemplated in section 36, the director of professional services or the director of nursing care or a person under their respective authority shall obtain the coroner’s authorization before taking measures to have the probable causes of death established.

1983, c. 41, s. 35; 1992, c. 21, s. 281; 2023, c. 15, s. 50.

36. Unless he has reasonable cause to believe that a coroner, a physician, a specialized nurse practitioner or a peace officer has already been informed, every person having knowledge of a death must immediately notify a coroner or a peace officer where it appears that the death has occurred as a result of negligence or in obscure or violent circumstances or where the identity of the deceased person is unknown to him.

1983, c. 41, s. 36; 2011, c. 27, s. 36; 2023, c. 15, s. 51.

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

(1)  in a reception centre classified as a rehabilitation centre within the meaning of the Act 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 Individual and Family Assistance Act (chapter A-13.1.1);

(3)  in a facility maintained by a health and social services institution, where the person in whose 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; 2020, c. 20, s. 16.

38. The director of, or, in his absence, the person in authority in an establishment contemplated 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 Québec correctional system (chapter S-40.1);

(2)  in a penitentiary within the meaning of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (S.C. 1992, c. 20);

(3)  in an intensive supervision 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; 2020, c. 20, s. 17.

39. Where a child dies while in the custody of a childcare provider, whether a childcare centre, a day care centre within the meaning of the Educational Childcare Act (chapter S-4.1.1) or a person recognized as a home childcare provider under that Act, the childcare provider or the person in authority in the place where the child is in custody shall immediately notify a coroner or a peace officer. The same applies for the person referred to in section 6.1 of that Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 39; 1997, c. 58, s. 144; 2006, c. 25, s. 15; 2020, c. 20, s. 18.

40. Where a person dies while in the care of a foster family within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5) or by a family-type resource within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2), the person in authority in the family shall immediately notify a coroner or a peace officer.

1983, c. 41, s. 40; 1992, c. 21, s. 283; 1994, c. 23, s. 23.

41. (Repealed).

1983, c. 41, s. 41; 1985, c. 29, s. 38.

42. Where a death occurs during an event to which the Act respecting civil protection to promote disaster resilience (chapter S-2.4) applies, the person in charge of response operations shall immediately inform a coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 42; 2001, c. 76, s. 149; 2024, c. 18, s. 66.

43. The person who is required to transport into Québec the body of a person who died outside Québec shall first notify the coroner of the place where the body is to be buried or cremated if the death occurred as a result of negligence or in obscure or violent circumstances, the identity of the deceased person is unknown or the probable causes of death could not be established.

Every person who is required to transport out of Québec the body of a person who died in Québec shall first notify the coroner of the place where the body was found.

1983, c. 41, s. 43; 1991, c. 44, s. 2; 2011, c. 27, s. 37.

44. Every coroner or peace officer who is notified or informed in accordance with sections 34 to 42 shall immediately notify the coroner having jurisdiction in the place where the dead body was found or the place where the dead body is presumed to be.

1983, c. 41, s. 44.

44.1. (Repealed).

1985, c. 29, s. 39; 1991, c. 44, s. 3.

CHAPTER III INVESTIGATION

1985, c. 29, s. 40; 1991, c. 44, s. 4.

DIVISION I POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CORONER IN AN INVESTIGATION

45. An investigation must take place every time notice is given to the coroner under Chapter II, unless a summary examination of the facts makes it possible to establish the elements mentioned in section 2 and the death does not appear to have occurred as a result of negligence or in obscure or violent circumstances. The coroner shall transmit the findings of the summary examination in writing to the Chief Coroner.

The Chief Coroner shall communicate the findings of the summary examination referred to in the first paragraph in writing to any person who so requests.

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; 2020, c. 20, s. 19.

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

However, the Chief Coroner may designate another coroner to conduct or complete the investigation

(1)  at the request of the coroner responsible for the investigation;

(2)  if the coroner responsible for the investigation is unable to conduct or complete the investigation;

(3)  if the complexity of the causes or the circumstances of death so require; or

(4)  if, in his opinion, a report of investigation has not been completed within a reasonable time.

1983, c. 41, s. 46; 2020, c. 20, s. 20.

46.1. Where the investigation continues for more than 30 days from the date on which the coroner is notified of the death or becomes responsible for the investigation, the coroner shall inform, verbally or in writing and on request, a member of the deceased person’s family or a person having a special interest in the deceased person of the progress of the case he is handling. The coroner shall subsequently notify that person of such progress, every 60 days and in writing, until the report has been transmitted to the Chief Coroner.

2020, c. 20, s. 21.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 47.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 48.

48.1. If the coroner believes that it is necessary in the performance of his duties to examine 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 record contemplated by Chapter II of Title II of Part I of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2) and held by an institution within the meaning of that Act or a deceased person’s record held by a health professional governed by the Professional Code (chapter C-26), he may order the holder of the record to deliver the record to him or make it available to him, within the time he fixes.

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 be delivered or made available to him.

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 49.

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

1986, c. 95, s. 280.

50. Every coroner having reasonable and probable cause to believe that the inspection of a place will be useful for the performance of his duties may, for those purposes, enter that place and, at the same time, examine or seize any relevant object or document found there.

1983, c. 41, s. 50; 1986, c. 95, s. 281.

51. The coroner may prohibit access to a place to facilitate the gathering or preservation of items of evidence or to ensure the protection of the persons involved or their property.

1983, c. 41, s. 51.

52. The coroner may take the measures necessary for the identification of a dead body.

1983, c. 41, s. 52.

53. The coroner may photograph a dead body, a place inspected or an object examined or seized, or cause them to be photographed.

The coroner may also photocopy any document examined or seized or cause it to be photocopied.

1983, c. 41, s. 53.

54. Where access to a place is prohibited, the coroner shall lift the prohibition as soon as it is no longer required for the administration of this Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 54.

55. Every coroner who enters a place shall, if so required, identify himself and state his office.

1983, c. 41, s. 55.

56. Subject to the conditions that may be specified by a justice of the peace in accordance with 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 evidence or to ensure the protection of the persons involved or their property.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 57.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 58.

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 a right 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.

60. Where possible, a copy of the minutes of seizure is remitted to the owner of the seized object or document or to the person having a right to it.

1983, c. 41, s. 60.

61. The coroner shall ensure the safekeeping of any seized object or document.

1983, c. 41, s. 61.

62. The coroner shall return any seized object or document to the person who claims it and establishes to his satisfaction that he has a right to it, unless the object or document is required for the administration of this Act or for the administration of justice.

1983, c. 41, s. 62.

63. The coroner may give to the owner of a seized document or object, or to the person having a right to it, a notice informing him of the time and place at which he may claim it.

Any seized object or document unclaimed within 60 days of the notice shall be entrusted to the Minister of Revenue, who shall administer it in accordance with the Unclaimed Property Act (chapter B-5.1).

1983, c. 41, s. 63; 1989, c. 54, s. 199; 2005, c. 44, s. 54; 2011, c. 10, s. 94.

64. Any seized object or document unclaimed within 60 days after the report provided for in section 92 shall be entrusted to the Minister of Revenue, who shall administer it in accordance with the Unclaimed Property Act (chapter B-5.1), unless the object or document is required for the administration of this Act or for the administration of justice.

1983, c. 41, s. 64; 1989, c. 54, s. 199; 2005, c. 44, s. 54; 2011, c. 10, s. 95.

65. The coroner may authorize in writing a person employed at the Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale or a peace officer to exercise the powers conferred on him by sections 49.1 to 53 of this Act.

The authorization may be addressed to any peace officer generally, and in respect of persons employed at the laboratory referred to in the first paragraph, to any person previously designated by the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 65; 1986, c. 95, s. 284; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

66. Every person contemplated in section 65 may, without the coroner’s authorization, within 24 hours following the receipt of a notice given under Chapter II, exercise the following powers:

(1)  enter any place where he has reasonable and probable cause to believe that the body is to be found to take possession of it and, at the same time, examine or seize any object or document found there which may be used as evidence by the coroner;

(2)  prohibit access to the place to facilitate the gathering or preservation of items of evidence for the coroner or ensure the protection of the persons involved or their property;

(3)  photograph the place or any object examined or seized, or cause it to be photographed;

(4)  photocopy any document examined or seized, or cause it to be photocopied.

The person may also, even after the expiry of the time prescribed under the first paragraph, take, without the coroner’s authorization, the measures necessary for the identification of a dead body, photograph it or cause it to be photographed.

1983, c. 41, s. 66; 1986, c. 95, s. 285.

67. No person employed at the Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale nor any peace officer may examine or seize a record referred to in section 48.1, except with the coroner’s authorization.

1983, c. 41, s. 67; 1990, c. 48, s. 2; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

68. The coroner may authorize in writing a person to exercise, for the purposes of Division II, the powers conferred on a coroner by sections 49.1 to 53 of this Act. The authorization shall designate by name the person to whom it is addressed.

1983, c. 41, s. 68; 1986, c. 95, s. 286.

69. Subject to the conditions that may be specified by a justice of the peace in accordance with section 72, the coroner shall determine when and where the powers he authorizes to be exercised by virtue of section 49, 65 or 68 may be exercised, and indicate the objects and documents contemplated in the authorization.

1983, c. 41, s. 69; 1986, c. 95, s. 287.

70. Authorizations remain effective for a period of not over 15 days.

The holder of an expired authorization shall return it to the coroner, who may issue a new authorization.

1983, c. 41, s. 70; 1999, c. 40, s. 241.

71. Every person authorized under section 49 or exercising the powers of a coroner under section 65, 66 or 68 is bound to comply with the obligations imposed by sections 55 to 61.

The person shall also,

(1)  in accordance with the directives of the Chief Coroner or the coroner, direct the dead body of which he has taken possession to a designated morgue;

(2)  indicate in the minutes of seizure the number and date of issue of the authorization under which he is acting, where an authorization has been issued;

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 71.

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

The justice of the peace may grant the authorization, subject to such conditions he may specify therein, if he is satisfied, on the basis of an affidavit by the coroner or the person authorized under section 49, 65 or 68, that there are reasonable and probable grounds for believing that entry into that place is useful for the performance of the coroner’s duties. The authorization, whether acted upon or not, shall be returned to the justice of the peace who granted it, not later than 15 days after its issue.

The authorization of a justice of the peace is not required, however, to enter any place within 24 hours following the receipt of a notice given under Chapter II for the purposes contemplated in section 49.1. Nor is the authorization required if the conditions for obtaining it exist and if, owing to exigent circumstances, the delay necessary to obtain the authorization may result in danger to human health or to the safety of persons or property or in the disappearance, destruction or loss of what is useful for the performance of the coroner’s duties.

1983, c. 41, s. 72; 1986, c. 95, s. 288; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

DIVISION II EXAMINATION, AUTOPSY AND OTHER EXPERTISE

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

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

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

74. A physician, any other professional authorized by law or a licensed embalmer may take from a dead body the specimens required for an expertise ordered by the coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 74; 2020, c. 20, s. 22.

75. Except where a coroner’s directive provides otherwise, the examination or autopsy of a 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 where the death occurred.

Where the death occurred in a place other than a facility maintained by an institution operating a hospital centre, the examination, autopsy or taking of specimens may be made or performed in the Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale, in any facility maintained by an institution operating a hospital centre, by agreement between the institution and the Chief Coroner, or at any other place designated by the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 75; 1992, c. 21, s. 285; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

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

The director of the Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale shall do likewise when the required examination, autopsy, taking of specimens or expertise, as the case may be, is to be made or performed under his authority.

1983, c. 41, s. 76; 1992, c. 21, s. 286; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

76.1. A physician who performs an autopsy at the request of a coroner and who preserves an organ or tissue for the purposes of an expertise shall notify the coroner so that the latter may inform the person who claims the body.

The organ or tissue is disposed of with biomedical waste if

(1)  no one has claimed the body;

(2)  the person who claimed the body has expressed the intention not to recover the organ or tissue; or

(3)  the person who claimed the body has not recovered the organ or tissue within 30 days after being informed by a notice sent to his last known address that it is no longer required.

If a deceased person’s identity cannot be established, an organ or tissue sample is preserved at the coroner’s request for the purposes of the person’s future identification.

2020, c. 20, s. 23.

77. Every person who makes or performs an examination, autopsy or expertise under this Act shall, with due diligence, draw up his report and transmit it to the coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 77.

DIVISION III BURIAL, CREMATION AND EXHUMATION

78. In no case where notice must be given to a coroner pursuant to Chapter II may a dead body be buried or cremated in Québec, transported out of Québec or remitted in accordance with Chapter V of the Funeral Operations Act (chapter A-5.02), except with the written authorization of the coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 78; 1985, c. 29, s. 41; 1991, c. 44, s. 5; 2001, c. 60, s. 166; 2009, c. 30, s. 58; 2016, c. 1, s. 138.

79. The coroner shall give his written authorization if the body is claimed and is no longer required for the purposes of identification, examination, autopsy or expertise.

1983, c. 41, s. 79.

80. Every body unclaimed within 30 days after it is found may be buried if it is no longer required by the coroner, unless it is disposed of in the manner prescribed in Chapter V of the Funeral Operations Act (chapter A-5.02).

1983, c. 41, s. 80; 2001, c. 60, s. 166; 2009, c. 30, s. 58; 2016, c. 1, s. 139.

81. Expenses incurred for the burial of unclaimed bodies are paid out of the appropriations allocated for the administration of this Act.

However, the Minister of Finance may require the succession of the deceased to reimburse expenses incurred for burial of the unclaimed body.

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

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 the performance of his duties.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 82.

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

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 84.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 85.

DIVISION IV BAN ON PUBLICATION OR RELEASE

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

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 of scientific 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.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 87.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 88.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 89.

90. A ban on publication or release of certain information under this division does not apply if the publication or release is made in accordance with section 90.2, 100 or 102.

1983, c. 41, s. 90; 2020, c. 20, s. 24.

DIVISION IV.1 CONSULTATION AND TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS DURING AN INVESTIGATION

2020, c. 20, s. 25.

90.1. After consultation with the Chief Coroner, a coroner may, before his report is drawn up, allow the documents listed in section 93 to be consulted by or, after payment of the charge fixed by regulation, send certified copies of them to

(1)  a person, association, department or agency establishing to the coroner’s satisfaction that the documents will be used to learn or establish his or its rights;

(2)  a department or public agency establishing to the coroner’s satisfaction that it will use the documents in the pursuit of the public interest;

(3)  a professional order establishing to the coroner’s satisfaction that it will use the documents in the pursuit of the protection of the public; or

(4)  a physician establishing to the coroner’s satisfaction that the documents are necessary for the purpose of preventing or screening for disease in a member of the deceased person’s family.

However, the report of a peace officer may not be consulted or transmitted without the express permission of the Minister of Public Security or a person authorized by the Minister for that purpose.

2020, c. 20, s. 25; I.N. 2023-01-01.

90.2. Access to a document or receipt of a document in accordance with section 90.1 does not constitute an authorization to publish or release information it contains that has not been made public, unless it is necessary for the purposes provided for in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 of that section.

2020, c. 20, s. 25.

DIVISION V REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

91. Following his investigation, the coroner shall promptly draw up a report.

1983, c. 41, s. 91.

91.1. Despite section 91, when the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions has authorized a prosecution following a person’s death, the coroner shall postpone the finalization of his report until the Director notifies him of the end of the criminal proceedings.

Similarly, the coroner shall postpone the finalization of his report if a record is submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions for examination as to whether proceedings should be instituted or if the causes and circumstances of a death allow the coroner to believe that a record could be so submitted. The Director shall inform the coroner of the findings of his examination.

However, the coroner may, in the cases provided for in the second paragraph, draw up his report if he is of the opinion that he may not further postpone its finalization. The coroner shall then consult the police force concerned or the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions to ensure that the report does not contain any information which may impede the investigation.

2020, c. 20, s. 26.

92. The report must indicate

(1)  the identity of the deceased person, or indications that may lead to it;

(2)  the date and place of death;

(3)  the probable causes of death;

(4)  a description of the circumstances of death;

(5)  any recommendation directed towards better protection of human life, where applicable.

1983, c. 41, s. 92.

93. The coroner shall attach to his report a copy of the authorization to bury, cremate, transport or remit the body, granted under section 79 and, where such is the case,

(1)  the examination and autopsy reports and the expertise;

(2)  the report of a peace officer who investigated the death;

(3)  the exhumation order;

(4)  the copy of the minutes of seizure;

(5)  photographs of the body, of the place viewed and of the objects examined or seized and photocopies of documents examined or seized;

(6)  every other document required by the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 93.

94. The coroner shall, with due diligence, transmit the original of the report and the accompanying documents to the Chief Coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 94.

94.1. A coroner may correct his report if it contains an error in writing or calculation or any other clerical error.

The coroner may also revise his report where new facts that warrant a revision are subsequently brought to his attention or to the attention of the Chief Coroner. The report is then transmitted to the latter.

If the coroner who drew up a report is no longer in office or is absent or unable to act, another coroner authorized by the Chief Coroner may correct or revise the report.

2020, c. 20, s. 27.

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

Every copy must be certified before being transmitted.

1983, c. 41, s. 95.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 96.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 97.

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

The persons, associations, departments or agencies to whom or which such recommendations have been transmitted must, within the time specified by the Chief Coroner, confirm to the latter that they have considered the recommendations and inform him of the measures they intend to take to correct the situation concerned.

1983, c. 41, s. 98; 2020, c. 20, s. 28.

99. At the request of the Minister of Public Security or the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, the coroner or the Chief Coroner shall forward to them a certified copy of the 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.

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

In no case, however, may the Chief Coroner publish or release the report of a peace officer 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.

101. Notwithstanding section 97, the Chief Coroner or a full-time coroner may allow the unexpurgated report or accompanying documents to be consulted by or, on payment of the charge fixed by regulation, transmit certified copies of them to

(1)  a person, association, department or agency establishing to the Chief’s or coroner’s satisfaction that they will be used to learn or establish his or its rights;

(2)  a department or public agency establishing to the Chief’s or coroner’s satisfaction that it will use them in the pursuit of the public interest;

(3)  a professional order establishing to the Chief’s or coroner’s satisfaction that it will use the documents in the pursuit of the protection of the public;

(4)  a physician establishing to the Chief’s or coroner’s satisfaction that the documents are necessary for the purpose of preventing or screening for disease in a member of the deceased person’s family.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 101; 1986, c. 86, s. 41; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2020, c. 20, s. 29; I.N. 2023-01-01.

102. Access to a document or receipt of a document in accordance with section 101 does not constitute an authorization to publish or release information it contains that has not been made public, unless it is necessary for the purposes provided for in any of paragraphs 1 to 4 of that section.

1983, c. 41, s. 102; 2020, c. 20, s. 30.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 103.

CHAPTER III.1

Repealed, 1991, c. 44, s. 6.

1985, c. 29, s. 42; 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 IV INQUEST

DIVISION I GROUNDS FOR HOLDING AN INQUEST

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

1983, c. 41, s. 104.

105. In determining whether it is expedient to hold an inquest, the Chief Coroner shall consider 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 human life;

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

1983, c. 41, s. 105.

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 107.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 108.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 109.

110. Where the complexity of the events being the subject of the inquest so requires, the Chief Coroner may designate as an assessor a person who, owing to his knowledge and special competence, is in a position to provide useful or pertinent information to the coroner at the inquest.

The Government shall fix the remuneration and conditions of employment applicable to assessors.

1983, c. 41, s. 110; 2020, c. 20, s. 31.

DIVISION II POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CORONER IN AN INQUEST

111. Subject to this chapter, sections 47 to 85 and sections 90.1 and 90.2 apply to an inquest, with the necessary modifications.

1983, c. 41, s. 111; 2020, c. 20, s. 32.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 112.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 113.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 114.

115. Articles 116 to 129 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01) apply, with the necessary modifications, to the service of a summons made by a coroner.

1983, c. 41, s. 115; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

116. Where the coroner has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a person he wishes to summon as a witness at the inquest is avoiding service of a summons or will not be present following a summons, the coroner may apply to a judge of the Court of Québec for the issue of a warrant ordering a peace officer to arrest that person and cause him to appear.

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

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

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

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

The person so arrested shall without delay appear before the person who issued the warrant of arrest, a full-time coroner or a judge of the Court of Québec.

1983, c. 41, s. 117; 1988, c. 21, s. 126; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

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

The director of youth protection shall entrust the person arrested to the care of an institution 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 proceedings being brought against him.

For the purposes of the second paragraph, “reception centre” has the meaning assigned to it 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 Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2).

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

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 reasonable conditions, 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 days or, if he is under 18 years of age, that he be confided to the care of the director of youth protection designated by the judge or the coroner for the same period.

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

Any decision taken pursuant to the first paragraph may, upon an application, be revised by a justice of the Superior Court.

1983, c. 41, s. 119; 2002, c. 24, s. 209; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

1983, c. 41, s. 120.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 121.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 125.

125.1. The Chief Coroner may, on the recommendation of the coroner conducting the inquest and in accordance with the regulation under section 168.1, grant financial assistance to members of a deceased person’s family.

2013, c. 6, s. 8.

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

Notwithstanding the first paragraph, articles 282 to 284 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01) apply.

1983, c. 41, s. 126; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

1983, c. 41, s. 127.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 128.

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.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 130.

131. Stenographic notes or recordings must be transcribed if the coroner, the Chief Coroner, the Minister of Public Security or the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions so requires.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 132.

DIVISION III PLACE AND TIME OF INQUEST

133. The coroner shall conduct his inquest with diligence.

1983, c. 41, s. 133.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 134.

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;

(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 by the Attorney General to represent the Attorney General;

(4)  to the Minister of Public Security.

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 IV RECOGNIZED RIGHTS OF 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 proves his or its interest in the inquest to the satisfaction of the coroner.

The coroner shall state his reasons for refusing the request.

1983, c. 41, s. 136.

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

The coroner shall state his reasons for refusing the request.

1983, c. 41, s. 137.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 138.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 139.

DIVISION V RESTRICTION ON PUBLIC NATURE OF INQUEST

140. Inquests are open to the public. A coroner may make an exception to the principle of open inquests if, in the coroner’s opinion, the public interest or the protection of a person’s privacy, reputation or right to a just and fair trial requires that a witness be heard in camera.

1983, c. 41, s. 140; 2020, c. 20, s. 33.

140.1. A document admitted as evidence at an inquest is public and may be consulted by any person, unless it is subject to a ban on publication or release under this Act.

2020, c. 20, s. 34.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 141.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 142.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 143.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 144.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 145.

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

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

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

147. Every person who, by act or omission, contravenes section 141, 142, 143, 144 or 145 or an order made by the coroner under section 146 is guilty of contempt of court.

1983, c. 41, s. 147.

148. A ban on publication or release of certain information under this division does not apply if the publication or release is made in accordance with section 90.2, 100 or 102.

1983, c. 41, s. 148; 2020, c. 20, s. 35.

DIVISION VI PROCEDURE AND PROOF

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

1983, c. 41, s. 149.

150. The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions or the advocate representing the Attorney 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.

151. The witnesses shall testify out of each other’s presence if the coroner so orders, of his own application or on application by the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, the advocate representing the Attorney General or an interested person.

1983, c. 41, s. 151; 2005, c. 34, s. 70; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 155.

DIVISION VII STAY, ADJOURNMENT OR REOPENING OF INQUEST

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

The coroner shall then inform the Chief Coroner thereof.

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 157; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

158. The coroner shall resume an adjourned inquest if the Minister of Public Security so requires. The Chief Coroner may order a coroner to resume an adjourned inquest on his motion.

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

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.

If the coroner who had been conducting the inquest is no longer able to do so, the Chief Coroner 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 VIII CLOSING OF INQUEST AND REPORT OF INQUEST

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 160.

161. In addition to the documents mentioned in section 93, the coroner shall attach a copy of 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.

162. Sections 94 to 102 apply, with the necessary modifications, to the report of inquest and any documents accompanying it.

Sections 101 and 102 also apply to an interested person within the meaning of section 136.

1983, c. 41, s. 162; 2020, c. 20, s. 36.

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

1986, c. 95, s. 289.

CHAPTER V REGULATIONS

163. The Government shall establish, by regulation, the procedure for recruiting and selecting persons qualified for appointment as coroner, Chief Coroner or Deputy Chief Coroner.

The regulation may, in particular,

(1)  determine the publicity to be made for recruitment purposes and its content;

(2)  determine the eligibility requirements and the application procedure to be followed by candidates;

(3)  authorize the establishment of selection committees to assess the qualifications of candidates and formulate an opinion concerning them, and determine the composition of the committees and the mode of appointment of committee members;

(4)  determine the selection criteria to be taken into account by a committee;

(5)  determine the information a committee may require from a candidate and the consultations it may hold; and

(6)  determine the period for which a certificate of qualification is valid.

1983, c. 41, s. 163; 1985, c. 29, s. 44; 1991, c. 44, s. 7; 2020, c. 20, s. 37.

163.1. The Government shall establish, by regulation, the procedure for renewing a coroner’s term.

The regulation may, in particular,

(1)  authorize the establishment of examination committees and determine their composition and the mode of appointment of committee members;

(2)  determine the criteria to be taken into account by a committee; and

(3)  determine the information a committee may require from a coroner and the consultations it may hold.

An examination committee may not make a recommendation against renewing a coroner’s term without first informing the office holder of its intention to do so and of the reasons for its recommendation, and without giving the office holder an opportunity to make representations.

2020, c. 20, s. 37.

163.2. The members of a selection committee or of an examination committee receive no remuneration except in the cases and on the conditions that may be determined by the Government.

They are, however, entitled to the reimbursement of any expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, on the conditions determined by the Government.

2020, c. 20, s. 37.

163.3. No judicial proceedings may be brought against the members of a selection committee or of an examination committee for any act done in good faith in the performance of their duties.

2020, c. 20, s. 37.

163.4. The Government shall determine, by regulation, basic training criteria and continuing education requirements.

2020, c. 20, s. 37.

164. The Government shall publish in the Gazette officielle du Québec a draft regulation contemplated in section 163, 163.1 or 163.4, with a notice indicating that it may be adopted, with or without amendments, on the expiry of 30 days from that publication.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 164; 2020, c. 20, s. 38.

165. The Chief Coroner shall publish in the Gazette officielle du Québec any regulation respecting the coroners’ code of ethics with a notice indicating that it will be submitted to the Government for approval at the expiry of 30 days from publication. The Government may amend the regulations submitted to it for approval.

After approval the regulation comes into force on the tenth day following its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date indicated therein.

1983, c. 41, s. 165; 1985, c. 29, s. 45; 1991, c. 44, s. 8.

166. (Repealed).

1983, c. 41, s. 166; 1986, c. 86, s. 38; 1988, c. 46, s. 24; 2020, c. 20, s. 39.

167. The Government may, by regulation, and after consultation with the Chief Coroner, adopt any norms, scales, conditions and rules of procedure respecting the identification, transportation, preservation or keeping, custody and return or remittal of the dead bodies, objects and documents contemplated in this Act and determine the provisions of the regulation to contravene which is an offence.

The regulation comes into force on the tenth day following that of its publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date fixed therein.

1983, c. 41, s. 167.

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 coroners for any expenses made or incurred in the performance of their duties;

(3)  the costs of transporting, keeping and preserving dead bodies which a coroner or another 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 of investigation or inquest or a document listed in section 93 or 161.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 168; 1985, c. 29, s. 46; 1991, c. 44, s. 9; 2020, c. 20, s. 40.

168.1. A government regulation may be made to determine the amounts, the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of payment of the financial assistance the Chief Coroner may grant to members of a deceased person’s family under section 125.1 to cover expenses incurred for legal assistance and representation during a coroner’s inquest following an independent investigation conducted by the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes in accordance with section 289.1 of the Police Act (chapter P-13.1).

2013, c. 6, s. 9; I.N. 2021-10-01.

169. The regulations contemplated in section 168 come into force on the tenth day following that of their publication in the Gazette officielle du Québec or on any later date indicated therein.

1983, c. 41, s. 169.

CHAPTER VI PENAL PROVISIONS

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 or section 78;

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

(3)  does not comply with an order of the Chief Coroner, a Deputy Chief Coroner or a coroner, 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 coroner or a person authorized to act under this Act, in the performance of his duties.

1983, c. 41, s. 170.

171. Every person convicted of an offence under any provision of section 170 is liable to a 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 VII CONTEMPT OF COURT

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

1983, c. 41, s. 173.

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

The application 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 Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01).

1983, c. 41, s. 174; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

If the judgment contains a conviction, it must state the penalty imposed and set forth the facts 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.

176. Every person convicted of contempt of court under this Act is liable to the penalties mentioned in article 62 of the Code of Civil Procedure (chapter C-25.01).

1983, c. 41, s. 176; 1990, c. 4, s. 749; I.N. 2016-01-01 (NCCP).

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

1983, c. 41, s. 177.

CHAPTER VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS

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

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

179. This Act applies notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of a general law or special Act providing for the confidentiality or non-disclosure of certain information or documents.

However, no advocate may be compelled under this Act to disclose confidential information revealed to him in the exercise of his profession.

The same applies to a minister of religion in respect of confidential information revealed to him by reason of his position.

1983, c. 41, s. 179.

180. The provisions of this Act concerning documents that are consulted or transmitted during an investigation or inquest as well as reports of investigation or inquest and documents accompanying them apply notwithstanding the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information (chapter A-2.1).

1983, c. 41, s. 180; 2020, c. 20, s. 41.

180.1. The Minister may enter into agreements with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec and the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail for the purpose of determining, where applicable, their contribution to the financing of coroners’ investigations related to automobile accidents or industrial accidents, as the case may be.

1999, c. 60, s. 3; 2015, c. 15, s. 237.

181. The charges collected according to a tariff made under section 168, fines collected pursuant to Chapter VII and sums collected under the agreements entered into pursuant to section 180.1 are paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

1983, c. 41, s. 181; 1992, c. 61, s. 506; 1999, c. 60, s. 4.

182. Every examination or autopsy made or performed under this Act by a professional in the field of health is a service within the meaning of subparagraph a of the first paragraph of section 3 of the Health Insurance Act (chapter A-29), provided it is made or performed in a facility maintained by an institution within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services for Cree Native persons (chapter S-5) or within the meaning of the Act respecting health services and social services (chapter S-4.2), that the professional 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 sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale or is not bound to the latter by a service contract. In other cases, the costs of the examination or autopsy are taken out of the sums required for the administration of this Act.

1983, c. 41, s. 182; 1983, c. 55, s. 161; 1992, c. 21, s. 288, s. 375; 1994, c. 23, s. 23; 2020, c. 20, s. 44.

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

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 during an event for which a state of emergency was declared under the Act respecting civil protection to promote disaster resilience (chapter S-2.4), 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; 2024, c. 18, s. 9.

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 IX TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS

185. (Omitted).

1983, c. 41, s. 185.

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 (chapter C-68) on the day of coming into force of the first paragraph of section 5 of this Act become permanent coroners within the meaning of this Act.

Other persons appointed coroners in accordance with the Coroners Act and who are in office 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.

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

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

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

1983, c. 41, s. 187.

188. Any investigation or inquest in progress under the Coroners Act (chapter C-68) at the coming into force of section 185 is completed in accordance with the said Act, but no coroner may find on a person’s civil liability or criminal responsibility. The same rule applies 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 or inquest if they are then in force.

1983, c. 41, s. 188.

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

1983, c. 41, s. 189.

190. (Omitted).

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.

202. (Amendment integrated into c. P-35, s. 47).

1983, c. 41, s. 202.

203. (Amendment integrated into c. P-35, s. 52).

1983, c. 41, s. 203.

204. (Amendment integrated into c. P-35, s. 61).

1983, c. 41, s. 204.

205. (Amendment integrated into c. S-2.1, s. 160).

1983, c. 41, s. 205.

206. (Amendment integrated into c. S-5, s. 7).

1983, c. 41, s. 206.

207. (Amendment integrated into c. S-5, s. 118).

1983, c. 41, s. 207.

208. (Amendment integrated into c. T-10, s. 5).

1983, c. 41, s. 208.

209. (Amendment integrated into c. T-16, s. 4).

1983, c. 41, s. 209.

210. (Amendment integrated into c. T-16, s. 70).

1983, c. 41, s. 210.

211. (Amendment integrated into c. T-16, s. 174).

1983, c. 41, s. 211.

212. (This section ceased to have effect on 21 November 1989).

1983, c. 41, s. 212; U. K., 1982, c. 11, Sch. B, Part I, s. 33.

213. (Omitted).

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 for what I may do in discharging the duties of my office apart from what will be allowed to me 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 (or Deputy Chief Coroner) honestly, impartially and justly, and I will not accept any sum of money or other consideration for what I may do in discharging the duties of my office apart 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 and regulations (chapter R-3), chapter 41 of the statutes of 1983, in force on 1 March 1985, is repealed, except sections 190 to 192 and 213, effective from the coming into force of chapter R-0.2 of the Revised Statutes.

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

In accordance with section 9 of the Act respecting the consolidation of the statutes and regulations (chapter R-3), sections 1 to 4, 34 to 40, 42 to 44, 44.1, 45 to 103, 103.2 to 103.6, 104 to 162, 170 to 182, 185 to 188, 191 and 193 to 211 of chapter 41 of the statutes of 1983, in force on 1 September 1986, are repealed effective from the coming into force of the updating to 1 September 1986 of chapter R-0.2 of the Revised Statutes.