What Jacques Bérubé recommended

This is a summary of recommendations contained in the Quebec coroner Jacques Bérubé’s report on the public inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the deaths of Louisa Annanack, Silas Annanack, Suzanna Annanack, Bobby Baron, Jessie Maggie Baron, Betty Etok, Charlie Etok, Joshua Etok and Elisa Sivanau Rochefort in Kangiqsualujjuaq on Jan. 1, 1999:

The report includes the following recommendations to the Quebec government:

* Have Quebec adopt a public safety policy that focuses on prevention, preparedness and planning.

To Quebec’s minister of public security:

* Identify places at risk for avalanches, visit these sites and take action when human life is in danger;
* Set province-wide zoning standards, based on the Swiss model;
* Implement the agreement with the Kativik Regional Government regarding public safety and fire prevention in Nunavik and a joint report on public security;
* Help the KRG build or renovate fire stations and equipment in all communities and provide resources for training and give the KRG and communities assistance in preparing emergency plans;
* Make sure communities have equipment and staff for emergency measures as well as search and rescue on land and sea;
* Have emergency phone lines in every community;

To Quebec’s minister of health and social services:

* Hire a third nurse for Kangiqsualujjuaq;
* Supply Nunavik communities with mini-vans and two stretchers as well as with stretchers for use with ATVs or snowmobiles;
* Equip clinics with cardiac defibrillator monitors and stretchers;
* Replace Kuujjuaq’s ambulance;
* Give nurses outpost nursing training, access to a computer and portable radio, training in trauma care;
* Solve the problem of air transport of people who are injured or ill;
* Allow the authorities at Kuujjuaq’s Tulattavik Health Centre to call on additional staff, if necessary.