Death Investigation Oversight Council

Ministry

Solicitor General

URL

www.dioc.gov.on.ca

Address

25 GROSVENOR STREET, 1ST FL
TORONTO
M7A1Y6

Background

Coroners Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.37, ss. 8(1); R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 180 (opens a new window)

Function

The Council oversees the Chief Coroner and the Chief Forensic Pathologist by advising and making recommendations on matters that include the following: financial resource management; strategic planning; quality assurance, performance measures, and accountability mechanisms; the administration of a public complaints process (including a complaints committee composed of Council members, excluding the Chief Coroner and the Chief Forensic Pathologist); and compliance with the Act.

Membership

The members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, who may designate one of the members to be the chair and one or more members to be vice-chairs. The Council is composed of the following: 1. A person who has retired as a judge of any federal, provincial or territorial court. 2. The Chief Coroner (non-voting member). 3. The Chief Forensic Pathologist (non-voting member). 4. A person nominated by the Minister. 5. The Dean or Associate Dean of an Ontario medical school or a person who teaches full-time at an Ontario medical school. 6. A person employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 who is nominated by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. 7. Two persons employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 who are nominated by the Attorney General. 8. Two persons, each of whom is a president, chief executive officer or other senior administrator of an Ontario public hospital. 9. At least three members of the public.

Qualifications

The Coroners Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.37, ss. 8(1); R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 180 prescribes the composition of members for the Council. Members of the Council should include medical and legal professionals, senior health executives, government representatives and members of the public who collectively have the knowledge and expertise to provide quality oversight.  In general, the skillset for members of the Council should include the following qualifications:
•    Knowledge or understanding of the death investigation system in Ontario; Office of the Chief Coroner/Ontario Forensic Pathology Service issues and legislation; the Coroners Act and the Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology in Ontario
•    Understanding of general government structure and decision-making processes
•    Demonstrated ability to think strategically and have ability to exercise independent judgement and objectivity
•    Strategic communication and interpersonal skills
•    Experience in negotiation, facilitation, and conflict resolution
•    Reputation of demonstrating ethical behavior and integrity
•    Willingness to attend Council meetings and other duties as assigned

Term

There is no limitation in legislation.

Meetings

In the first year of establishment, the Council is expected to meet at least monthly (not including the summer). In each of the subsequent years, the Council is expected to meet at least quarterly. The logistics of the meetings will be at the discretion of the chair. Meetings may be conducted by teleconference or video conferencing or in person and at a location convenient for most members.

Remuneration

Appointees are remunerated according to Schedule A, Level 2 of the Agencies and Appointments Directive.

Appointments & Vacancies