Auditor General John Doyle has released his latest report, British Columbia Coroners Service. The audit focused on whether the BC Coroners Service is meeting its mandate in an efficient, effective, timely and independent manner.
"Despite numerous challenges, the BC Coroners Service continues to meet its legislated responsibility to investigate sudden, unexpected deaths, hold inquests into in-custody deaths and review child deaths," said Doyle. "However, the Coroners Act provides the authority to do much more than is currently being done to prevent deaths and improve public safety."
As well, a declining budget, coupled with escalating investigation expenses, is negatively impacting the quality of service. This has the potential for more significant long-term repercussions.
The report makes eight recommendations to the BC Coroners Service, the
Chief Coroner and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
"For the BC Coroners Service to succeed in its role and fulfill this broader mandate, government must clarify and endorse the direction of the BC Coroners Service," said Doyle. "Government must then step back to preserve the organization's independence."
The Auditor General will follow up on the status of the implementation of his recommendations in his October 2012 follow-up report.
The Auditor General is a non-partisan, independent Officer of the Legislature who reports directly to the Legislative Assembly. The Auditor General Act empowers the Auditor General and staff (known as the Office of the Auditor General or OAG) to conduct audits, report findings and make recommendations.
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