November 10, 2020
Standing Hearing for Inquest into Death of Jeffrey Owen Tait
A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Jeffrey Owen Tait, 31, of Winnipeg.
On Jan. 29, 2019, Tait, who was incarcerated at Headingley Correctional Centre, was found not moving on the floor of his cell, with ripped bedsheets tied tightly around his neck. Emergency medical personnel were called and resuscitation was attempted. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner. Inquests explore the circumstances and events leading to deaths for the purpose of finding out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Sue Baragar, inquest counsel, at 204-945-2852 or Sue.Baragar@gov.mb.ca by Nov. 17.
The standing hearing will be held on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 408 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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