The Clearwater Times
The North Thompson Valley has not had a coroner since the last one, Pat Paula, resigned several years ago.
The Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) would like to know if that has led to problems, such as an increase in response time.
Clearwater Mayor John Harwood noted that town councillor Barry Banford recently reported being caught in a lineup in the Fraser Canyon for five hours because of the necessity of bringing in a coroner for a fatal truck accident.
“We’re trying to get an understanding if we need more coroners,” said Harwood.
SILGA has written the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and its member municipalities, asking for information on delays caused by a shortage of coroners.
“Is this a common occurrence and, if so, what can we do to make it better,” said Tim Pennell, Thompson Nicola Regional District director for Wells Gray Country (Area A) and the TNRD’s representative to SILGA.
Coroners are the only ones who can authorize a dead body be removed from an accident scene. The only exception is if there is some danger to life or limb.