The Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that a public inquest into the death of 28-year-old Amanda Bolt will begin this fall, nearly six years after she died in hospital while in the custody of London Police Service.
Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke, Regional Supervising Coroner for Ontario’s West Region, London Office, confirmed Friday that the inquest is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The proceedings will be presided over by Dr. John Carlisle, with Kate Forget and Indira Stewart appointed as inquest counsel.
Bolt died on November 13, 2019, while in hospital under police custody. Under Ontario’s Coroners Act, an inquest into her death is mandatory.
Scope of the Inquest
According to the announcement, the inquest will “examine the circumstances surrounding Ms. Bolt’s death.” A jury may issue recommendations designed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The hearing is expected to last seven days, with testimony from approximately nine witnesses. It will be conducted by video conference, and members of the public will be able to view the proceedings live.
The Ministry has provided access details through a dedicated webpage for the inquest: firstclassfacilitation.ca/office-of-the-chief-coroner/inquest-into-the-death-of-Amanda-Bolt.
The coroner’s office noted that inquests are not criminal trials, nor do they assign blame. Instead, they provide an independent, public review of circumstances in order to promote transparency and make recommendations aimed at systemic improvement.
Broader Context
Bolt’s death is one of several cases in Ontario where mandatory inquests are held following a death in custody. Such inquests often spark public debate about policing practices, mental health supports, and accountability within correctional and law enforcement systems.
Advocates have long pointed to coroner’s inquests as important opportunities for systemic reform, though critics note that recommendations are not binding on government agencies or police services. The Ministry of the Solicitor General maintains that the process offers valuable insights into how institutions can evolve to better protect vulnerable individuals.
Public Access and Transparency
The decision to hold the proceedings by video conference reflects a growing trend in Ontario’s justice system since the pandemic, enabling wider public access. Those wishing to view can register online, making it possible for community members, advocates, and Bolt’s family to observe the proceedings without attending in person.
More information on the coroner’s inquest process is available on the Government of Ontario website: ontario.ca/page/coroners-inquests.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Recognized
In a separate development, communities across Canada are preparing to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. The City of Prince Albert, Sask., is encouraging residents to wear orange shirts to honour the survivors of Indian Residential Schools and remember those who never came home.
“September 30 is also an opportunity to come together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come,” the city said in a release.
Events scheduled in Prince Albert include free admission to the Prince Albert Historical Museum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a full-day gathering hosted by the Prince Albert Grand Council at the PAGC Cultural Centre, beginning at 10 a.m.
Orange Shirt Day traces its origins to the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission residential school in Williams Lake, B.C. Her account has since become a symbol of the lasting harms of the residential school system.
The federal government declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday in 2021, in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Many municipalities, including Prince Albert, now formally recognize the day as a paid holiday for city employees.
Proceeds from orange shirt and button sales in Prince Albert will support local Indigenous organizations, with Lake Country Co-op pledging to match contributions.
