Proceedings Scheduled to Begin June 15 Through Video Conference
The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General has announced that an inquest into the death of Ethan Dawichuk will begin next month, more than four years after the 23-year-old died while in custody at the Toronto East Detention Centre.
Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner for the Toronto Region and Toronto East Office, confirmed that the inquest is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The proceedings will be overseen by Dr. David Eden, who will serve as the presiding officer, while Robert Kozak has been appointed as inquest counsel.
“Dr. Jennifer M. Dmetrichuk, Regional Supervising Coroner, Toronto Region, Toronto East Office, announced today that a date has been scheduled for the inquest into the death of Ethan Dawichuk,” the ministry said in a statement released Wednesday.
Mandatory Inquest Under Ontario’s Coroners Act
Mr. Dawichuk died on Nov. 29, 2021, while being held at the Toronto East Detention Centre. Under Ontario law, an inquest is mandatory when a person dies while in custody.
“Mr. Dawichuk, 23 years old, died on November 29, 2021, while in custody at the Toronto East Detention Centre. An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act,” the release stated.
The Coroners Act requires public inquests in certain cases, including deaths that occur in correctional facilities or under other forms of state custody. These proceedings are intended to examine the facts surrounding a death and identify opportunities to improve public safety and institutional practices.
Jury May Issue Recommendations
According to the ministry, the inquest will focus on the events and circumstances connected to Mr. Dawichuk’s death.
“The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dawichuk’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths,” the announcement said.
While juries in coroners’ inquests can make recommendations, they do not determine criminal or civil liability. Recommendations issued at the conclusion of an inquest are non-binding but are often reviewed by provincial ministries, correctional institutions, healthcare organizations, and other public agencies.
Hearing Expected to Last Five Days
Officials said the inquest is expected to continue for five days and will hear evidence from approximately 12 witnesses.
“The inquest is expected to last five days and hear from approximately 12 witnesses,” the ministry noted.
The proceedings will be conducted virtually by video conference, continuing a format increasingly used for public hearings and legal proceedings across Ontario.
Public Access Available Online
Members of the public will be able to watch the proceedings live through an online broadcast link provided by the Office of the Chief Coroner.
“The inquest will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live at the link provided below,” the release said.
Ontario coroners’ inquests are designed to provide transparency and public oversight in cases involving deaths in custody, institutional care, or other circumstances considered to be in the public interest. Inquests often result in recommendations aimed at improving procedures, training, healthcare access, or safety standards within public institutions.
The Toronto East Detention Centre, where Mr. Dawichuk died, is one of Ontario’s provincially operated correctional facilities overseen by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Additional information about coroners’ inquests and access to the hearing livestream is available through the Ontario government and Office of the Chief Coroner websites.