Former Saskatoon police chief to review coroner's office

The former chief of the Saskatoon Police Service has been appointed to lead a review of the Office of the Chief Coroner in Saskatchewan.

According to Morgan, Weighill is well-regarded for his work in uncoveringthe causes of crime and his relationship with First Nations.

"I've got an enormous amount of confidence in his integrity and his ability. He did wonders for the Saskatoon Police Service and I think he will be able to give some really good advice," Morgan told reporters following question period on Wednesday.

The review will examine the mandate and performance of the coroner's service and offer recommendations.

When asked if there is a conflict of interest because of Weighill'spast relationship with the coroner while policing, Morgan said no.

"All the police people come with some kind of relationship that they've had with the coroner's office. In his case, I think this will be a plus, not a minus," he said.

Probing into racism claims

Weighill said he will not be looking into specific cases, but will be contacting families who have dealt with the organization. Others will have the option to come forward.

The reviewcomes after the conduct of the province's chief forensic pathologist and the coroner's office were called into question.

Weighill said he will be looking intoracism allegations.

"I think in this day and age when you do a review of anywhere, you're always looking to see if there are any systemic issues, whether it be race, gender, religion," Weighill said."It will come to the forefront as I look at the whole entity of the coroner's office."

The scope of the review will include:

• A comparison of coroner and medical examiner models and best practices.
• An examination of the coroner'sroles and responsibilities.
• A determination of the adequacy of coroner investigations.
• A review of the coroner inquest model.
• An examination of support elements such as laboratory services, transfer services and funeral home services.
• A review of relationships with police, prosecutions and health regions.
• A review of communication practices with the public.

Weighill will present his final report and recommendations to the minister for consideration by July 1, 2018 and the recommendations will be made available to the public.