Should Recording Coroner's Inquests Be Banned in Ontario?
Official title: Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025 - Proposed Legislative Amendments to the Coroners Act
Ontario wants to ban unauthorized recording at coroner's inquests. Right now, anyone can film or record these public proceedings. Under the new rules, only journalists and participants could make audio recordings—and only if they're unobtrusive. Violators could face fines up to $25,000 or six months in jail.
Why This Matters
Ever watched a coroner's inquest online or seen clips shared on social media? That could become illegal. The government says this protects grieving families and witnesses from harassment. But it also limits public access to proceedings that investigate deaths in police custody, workplace accidents, and other matters of public interest.
What Could Change
Recording or sharing video of coroner's inquests would become a criminal offence with serious penalties. Journalists could still take notes and make audio recordings, but video would be banned. The Chief Forensic Pathologist would also get new formal duties to train future pathologists.
Key Issues
- Should unauthorized recording at coroner's inquests be banned?
- Are fines up to $25,000 and six months imprisonment appropriate penalties?
- Should the Chief Forensic Pathologist's training role be formalized in law?
How to Participate
- Review the proposed amendments to the Coroners Act on this page.
- Submit your comments by mail to the Ministry of the Solicitor General at 25 Grosvenor Street, Floor 9, Toronto, ON M7A 1Y6 by the deadline.