April 15, 2021
Statement from Justice Minister Cameron Friesen on RCMP Review into Death of Christine Mitchell
In October 2019, the minister of justice requested the RCMP complete a review under section 20 of the Police Services Act following the overdose death of Christine Mitchell, who resided in the home of Brandon’s city manager, a non-voting member of the Brandon Police Board.
The RCMP has finished the review and have found that Brandon Police Service conducted an appropriate and professional investigation in relation to Mitchell’s death. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family on their loss.
The review also noted concerns with the timeliness of reporting the overdose death to the police and Office of the Medical Examiner. This gap in reporting was due to a misinterpretation of the Fatality Inquiries Act by the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
The Office of the Medical Examiner and Prairie Mountain Health have reviewed the requirements under the Fatality Inquires Act and the Brandon Regional Health Centre has updated its policies to reflect these requirements.
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