Medico-Legal Death Investigation Systems – Canada

Death investigations within Canada are conducted at a provincial or territorial level, with medico-legal systems being either Coroner or Medical Examiner based. Each province or territory has defined legislation which guides the death investigation process. Despite similar frameworks, great variation exists in the implementation of the legislation. This paper will outline death investigation systems within Canada, including the legislative framework for each system. An overview of forensic pathology facilities as well as educational programs in forensic pathology training will also be provided.