British Columbia has announced the appointment of a new Chief Coroner, Lisa Lapointe, who will take over the role from outgoing Chief Coroner, Andrew Cave.
Lapointe, who has been serving as the Deputy Chief Coroner since 2007, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. She has been with the BC Coroners Service for over 17 years and has held various roles, including Regional Coroner and Director of Investigations.
In her new role, Lapointe will be responsible for overseeing all death investigations in the province, as well as providing recommendations for preventing future deaths. She will also work closely with the BC Coroners Service team to ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, expressed his confidence in Lapointe’s abilities, stating that she has a strong track record of leadership and a deep understanding of the complexities of the coroner’s role.
Lapointe’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as the province continues to grapple with the ongoing opioid crisis and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has already outlined her priorities, which include improving the timeliness and quality of investigations, as well as addressing the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on marginalized communities.
Outgoing Chief Coroner, Andrew Cave, will be stepping down from his role after serving for over 10 years. He has been praised for his dedication and leadership during his tenure, and will continue to serve as a consultant to the BC Coroners Service.
The appointment of Lisa Lapointe as the new Chief Coroner is a significant development for the province and is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed focus to the important work of the BC Coroners Service.
