Justice and Public Safety
July 21, 2017
Minister Parsons Releases External Review of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today released an external review of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Minister Parsons committed to the review after a murder charge related to a 2013 death was withdrawn in December 2015 due to forensic evidence being misplaced.
Dr. Matthew Bowes, Chief Medical Examiner for Nova Scotia conducted the review, which was commissioned by the Department of Justice and Public Safety on August 2, 2016.
The department is reviewing the recommendations to determine feasibility and timeline of implementation, as well as assess the cost considerations that will be associated with any changes that are needed.
Minister Parsons will be available to the media to discuss Dr. Bowes’ report today (Friday, July 21) at 1:30 p.m. in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.
Quotes
“I would like to thank Dr. Bowes for his work on this review. The information contained in the report will be valuable as we work to ensure the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is operating effectively. The Newfoundland and Labrador’s OCME as a crucial part of the justice system in the province and it is imperative the office has the tools needed to properly operate.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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Learn more
The review can be found at www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/just/report_office_chief_medical_examiner.pdf 
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Media contact
Amy Stoodley
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 693-7142
AmyStoodley@gov.nl.ca
2017 07 21 12:35 p.m.