Quebec coroner looking into death of Inuk girl
Girl was in youth protection services in Montreal, according to media reports
Batshaw Youth and Family Centre in Montreal had been responsible for overseeing a four-year-old Inuk girl’s care at the time of her death, according to Radio-Canada. (Photo by Miriam Lafontaine)
A Quebec coroner is investigating the death of a four-year-old Inuk girl who died while under the supervision of Montreal’s youth protection services.
The girl, whose mother is from Nunavik, died in a hospital on March 31, after a worker at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres failed to respond to a request for an urgent visit at her family home, according to reporting by Radio-Canada.
“We can confirm that an investigation into the causes and circumstances of this death is being conducted,” said Jake Lamotta Granato, a spokesperson for Quebec’s coroner’s office, in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
Coroner Steeve Poisson has been assigned to the case, Lamotta Granato said.
“At the end of his investigation, should he deem it appropriate, the coroner may also issue recommendations aimed at protecting human life and preventing deaths under similar circumstances,” he said.
In late July, Santé Québec, which oversees health and social services in the province, announced it had ordered its inspection office to investigate the quality of youth protection services offered under its agency for Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal — Universitaire area, which has jurisdiction over Batshaw.
The announcement about the investigation came days after the Montreal Gazette revealed three youth under Batshaw’s care — including the four year old girl — had died suddenly in March.
In an email to Nunatsiaq News, Santé Québec declined to confirm the Gazette’s and Radio-Canada’s reporting, as well as what prompted the investigation request.
The investigation will look into service gaps and compliance issues and make recommendations for improving the quality of youth and family services, the organization stated in a July 28 news release.
Santé Québec’s Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire social services agency, whose jurisdiction Batshaw operates in, also declined to comment, citing confidentiality.
Spokesperson Myriam Paquet said the agency is collaborating with investigators to ensure “circumstances surrounding these events can be examined in an independent and rigorous manner.”
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