Family of the late Elisapee Michael demands inquiry into her death

Dear Premier:

I am assisting the family of Elisapee Michael, along with the able assistance of our court worker Abraham Tunraluk, and we have been asked to contact you in relation to the incident of August 9, 2009. The family is hereby requesting that you call a Public Inquiry into this most unfortunate matter.

As you are aware, the chronology of events circulating in the press are as follows:

1. On August 9, 2009, Ms. Michael falls down the stairs at the Nova Hotel suffering a severe head wound and is taken by ambulance to the Qikiqtani Regional Hospital (the “Hospital”);

2. At approximately 3:00 a.m. the Hospital requests that the RCMP deal with her;

3. The RCMP take her into custody on the basis that she is intoxicated (at this time it is unknown if she has received any medical attention);

4. The RCMP place Ms. Michael into a cell;

5. Approximately 11 hours after Ms. Michael’s detention the RCMP call the Hospital inquiring about bringning her back, the Hospital allegedly reported that they were too busy to accept her; and

6. Approximately 14 hours after Ms. Michael’s detention, the RCMP find her on the floor of her cell in distress; and

7. Thereafter Ms. Michael is taken to the Hospital and medically evacuated to Ottawa where she dies on August 13 as a result of her injuries.

These allegations are very troubling and warrant a complete and thorough Public Inquiry.

Public confidence in the Hospital and the RCMP has been eroded as a result of this incident. Mechanisms must be developed and implemented in order to ensure that an establishment serving alcohol in Nunavut ensures intoxicated persons are not placed in harm’s way. Mechanisms must also be developed to ensure the Hospital does not send its most critical patients to the RCMP for housing. Is it extraordinary that a person suffering from a severe head wound may cause a disturbance?

Mechanisms must also be developed to ensure that the RCMP provides the proper care required for its detainees. It is shocking that an allegedly intoxicated citizen suffering from a severe head wound is being detained for approximately 14 hours in rudimentary facilities. This family believes that it is unsatisfactory to have the RCMP investigate its own conduct in this matter.

The following questions, among others, are raised as a result of this incident:

1. What procedures does the Hospital have in place when receiving emergency patients?

2. Were they followed in this case?

3. Did Ms. Michael see a Doctor when initially brought to the Hospital and/or before being sent to the RCMP detachment?

4. What was the RCMP informed of and why did they accept a citizen suffering from a severe head wound?

5. What facilities are available at the RCMP detachment to care for citizens suffering from severe head wounds?

6. Why did call the Hospital and not take Ms. Michael directly to the Hospital if they had concerns?

7. Who did the RCMP speak to and why did the Hospital deny entry?

8. What is the standard of care required by the RCMP when holding detained citizens?

9. Was the standard of care met in this case?

The family requests that this most unfortunate incident never happen again in this great Territory. It is hoped that a Public Inquiry would be a large step forward to restoring confidence in our Public Institutions and addressing the above noted questions.

The family is available to meet with you if this will assist you in making this most important decision.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours very truly,

Scott L. Wheildon, B.A., M.A., L.L.B.
Legal Counsel

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