Quebec’s chief coroner has launched a public inquiry into the death of Normand Meunier, the man who resorted to medical assistance in dying to end his life after experiencing complications during a stay at the Saint-Jérôme hospital.
The public inquiry, which will presided over by Coroner Dave Kimpton, was triggered by a request from Public Security Minister François Bonnardel.
According to the Coroner’s Office, it will allow “any interested person to express their view regarding the circumstances of this death in order to analyze all the contributing factors, with a view to making recommendations to prevent deaths in similar circumstances.”
Last January, Normand Meunier, a 66-year-old quadriplegic man, went to Saint-Jérôme hospital to treat a respiratory virus. He developed a major pressure sore on his buttocks, and on March 29, resorted to medical assistance in dying to end his suffering.
His death sparked numerous reactions in the Quebec legislature, where opposition parties united to demand an independent investigation, claiming abuse and calling Meunier’s death a “real disgrace” for Quebec.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé accepted their request.
An internal investigation was also launched at the CISSS des Laurentides.
Details of the coroner’s inquest, as well as hearing dates, will be announced at a later date.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews