Jurors Reunite to Review Impact of Inquest Findings

In a noteworthy decision, jurors from last year’s coroner’s inquest in Renfrew County, which focused on violence against women, will participate in a gathering this week to evaluate the provincial government’s actions.

“In my experience, this is the first time I’ve seen something like it,” said Prabhu Rajan, chief counsel for the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario since 2016.

“I believe it truly reflects how deeply the case affected both the jurors and the community.”

Last summer in Pembroke, a lengthy inquest examined the murders of three women in and around the county that occurred in 2015: Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam.

All three women lost their lives on the same day at the hands of one man, despite clear warning signs about his potential for further violence.

Throughout 14 days of testimony, jurors learned about issues ranging from insufficient support services for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) to missed chances by Ontario’s probation and parole service after previous convictions involving two of the women he eventually killed.

The jury-comprised of three men and two women selected from Renfrew, Griffith, Petawawa, Chalk River, and Pembroke-recommended that provincial and federal governments along with other organizations adopt 86 suggestions including various preventive strategies.

The final suggestion urged all parties involved in the inquest-the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario government officials, End Violence Against Women Renfrew County advocates, and Warmerdam’s son Malcolm-to reconvene after a year “to discuss progress on implementing these recommendations.”

The jurors were also invited back. Rajan mentioned last week that he expected four would attend Wednesday morning’s private meeting (details can be shared publicly).

“They felt their community was significantly affected by these three femicides and wanted to ensure that those responsible for acting on recommendations continued their work,” Rajan said.

Prabhu Rajan attends a news conference following the Pembroke inquiry on June 28, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

Awaiting Part Two of Ontario’s Response

The Ontario government took on most of the recommendations. However, its initial response submitted in February did not address 29 out of 75 recommendations directed toward it. These included:

Formally declaring IPV an epidemic within Ontario-a step taken by some local governments such as Renfrew County. Creating housing plans for IPV survivors escaping abusers. Providing funding for safe rooms within survivor shelters. Establishing a 24/7 hotline for men at risk of committing IPV. Considering allowing police to share information about someone’s IPV history with new or future partners-similar to laws enacted in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Developing accessible records regarding past IPV offenses across all police departments. Reviewing mandatory charging practices where officers must charge someone with assault if they have reasonable grounds to do so. Examining judicial decisions related to IPV cases.

At that time, officials stated that those unaddressed recommendations required further analysis and cooperation before they could be tackled properly. They planned to provide another response by late June.

As of Thursday morning, according to statements from the Office of Chief Coroner no such response had been received yet.

In an emailed statement sent Friday from officials within The Office of Solicitor General indicated they would deliver part two soon.

Kirsten Mercer who represented EVA Renfrew County during this process expressed her wish to receive it sooner rather than later.

“It’s frustrating knowing we’ll likely get another large batch from them without much time left for consideration,” she noted while adding “But honestly I prefer if they take their time getting things right.”Lawyer Kirsten Mercer speaks during a news conference representing End Violence Against Women Renfrew County throughout proceedings.(Jean Delisle/CBC)

Until Friday morning it remained uncertain whether representatives from Ontario would attend this week’s gathering – The  reached out as early as June fifteenth seeking confirmation regarding their participation; ultimately receiving assurance late Friday confirming attendance from their office’s representatives.

The federal government received seven out off eighty-six suggestions including establishing A royal commission aimed at making criminal justice system “more victim-centric”.

Ottawa has yet issued its response due partly because according To Rajan there was An administrative error preventing immediate access To Those Recommendations From The Chief Coroner’s office.

An email statement released confirmed The Department Of Justice intends Responding By August Fourteenth Deadline.

Public ‘Counterpart’ Event Scheduled

Pamela Cross , advocacy director At Luke ’ s Place , an Oshawa nonprofit Supporting Women fleeing Violence – Mentioned That province Has Also Been Invited To Attend A “ public counterpart ” event Taking Place In Petawawa Wednesday afternoon.

Each group responding To Jury Recommendations Will Have Time For Sharing Their Progress Over Past Year.

Pictures Of Three Women Murdered During 2015 Rampage Displayed At Monument In Petawawa After Inquiry Left To Right : Carol Culleton , Anastasia Kuzyk And Nathalie Warmerdam. (Guy Quenneville/CBC )

Representatives From The Office Of Chief Coroner , Information Privacy Commissioner And Federal Government Confirmed Attendance While “ We Haven’t Heard Anything From Province ” Cross Said.

Malcolm Warmerdam previously discussed his perspective with having high hopes For A representative Attending From Probation And Parole Services.

The Inquest Revealed Perpetuator Breached His Parole Conditions Repeatedly Missing Opportunities To Monitor Him More Closely During Probation Following Previous Convictions Related TO Intimate Partner Violence Against Two Victims He Eventually Killed.

In Its Statement , Solicitor General Claimed “ murderer Who Committed These Heinous Crimes Should Never Have Been Released Initially” He Was Given Too Many Chances By Justice System.” Malcolm Expressed Disappointment Over Delay Not Setting This Process Up For Success.”

Nathalie Warmerdam’s Son Malcolm Participated Throughout Proceedings Hoping Representatives Show Up At Reunion.(Jean Deslisle/CBC)

Kirsten Mercer Emphasized That Time Must Be Treated Urgently When It Comes Down To Lives Of Women,

“We Must Approach This With Urgency It Demands”.

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