Should Ontario Replace Inquests with Annual Reviews for Prison Deaths?
Official title: Amending the Coroners Act to Enable Annual Reviews of Non-natural Deaths in Correctional Institutions.
When someone dies of non-natural causes in an Ontario prison, the law currently requires a full inquest. The problem? These take 5-7 years to complete. The government wants to replace mandatory inquests with annual reviews led by coroners. Families could still request a full inquest if they want one.
Why This Matters
Know someone who's been incarcerated? Families currently wait 5-7 years for answers when a loved one dies in custody. That's years of uncertainty and re-traumatization. This change could get answers faster—but some worry annual reviews won't have the same public scrutiny as inquests.
What Could Change
The Coroners Act would be amended to remove mandatory inquests for prison deaths. Instead, coroners would conduct annual reviews looking at systemic issues across all deaths. Families would retain the right to request a full inquest. The goal is faster recommendations that actually get implemented.
Key Issues
- Should mandatory inquests be replaced with annual coroner-led reviews?
- How should families be able to participate in the review process?
- Should families retain the option to request a full inquest?
- How can transparency and public confidence be maintained under the new system?
How to Participate
- Read the proposal summary above to understand the proposed changes to how prison deaths are investigated.
- Submit your feedback through the Ontario Regulatory Registry comment form by January 19, 2026.