THUNDER BAY – After a full week delay, the coroner’s inquest probing the deaths of seven high school students has resumed.
Proceedings at the inquest continued Monday morning at the Thunder Bay Courthouse with Northwest Local Health Integration Network CEO Laura Kokocinski taking the stand.
Kokocinski spent the morning answering questions about the quality of care and accessibility of programs and services in remote First Nations communities.
A focal point of questioning from coroner’s counsel and lawyers for parties with standing was a 2010 report commissioned by the organization, the Aboriginal Health Programs and Services Analysis and Strategy, which found there were gaps when it came to mental health and addictions, children and youth programs and services and culturally appropriate services.
The inquest is examining the deaths of Jethro Anderson, Curran Strang, Paul Panacheese, Robyn Harper, Reggie Bushie, Kyle Morriseau and Jordan Wabasse, who all came to Thunder Bay from isolated communities to attend high school and died between 2000 and 2011.
Evidence heard earlier during the inquest found alcohol was a direct or contributing factor to cause of death in at least five of the cases.
Evidence was put on hold last week as coroner’s counsel and lawyers for parties with standing had closed-door discussions.
