Latest news with #RaphaëlAndré
CBC
15-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Homeless Innu man died of hypothermia, but Quebec coroner says system failed him
A Quebec coroner looking into the death of Raphaël "Napa" André, a homeless Innu man whose body was found inside a portable toilet in Montreal in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, concluded his death was preventable. In a report made public on Thursday, Coroner Stéphanie Gamache wrote that it was impossible for her to conclude that "that Mr. André was solely responsible for his fate." The 51-year-old from the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John died due to hypothermia in a context of severe alcohol intoxication, but Gamache wrote that there were systemic failures that contributed to his death as well. "If a door had been opened to him and if he had had a heated and safe place to stay for the night, it is clear to me ... that he would not have died, even if he was heavily intoxicated due to alcohol," she said. His body was found steps away from a shelter on Parc Avenue, that had been closed by public health officials because of plumbing problems and a COVID-19 outbreak. Quebec had also imposed a nighttime curfew to curb the spread of the virus. In her 75-page report, Gamache noted several gaps or failures in terms of André's care and access to services in the months preceding his death. The 23 recommendations issued in her report are aimed at preventing another death in similar circumstances. Those recommendations centred on five themes identified by Gamache as ways to strengthen the safety net she says is necessary to help people experiencing homelessness regain their rightful place in our society. First she stressed the importance of ensuring centralized monitoring for the homeless population who consult various facilities within the healthcare network. She also focused on the need to develop facilities that can accommodate clients who are intoxicated and have acquired brain injuries. Gamache also underscored the need to put cultural safety at the heart of initiatives to help people experiencing homelessness. The fourth theme delves into the particular context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamache said the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, need to be considered and taken into account when making emergency decisions. Lastly Gamache pointed to the need for permanent funding for resources that provide emergency shelter. Gamache's report follows public inquiry hearings that were held between May 13 and June 10, 2024, and included the participation of 51 witnesses. Among them were Réal McKenzie, Chief of the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John, as well as André's brother, sister-in-law, and mother who, Gamache said, traveled from their community to testify. Gamache expressed her gratitude for their testimony and extended her condolences to the family and community.
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Death of Raphaël André: an inquest report that calls for concerted actions Français
WENDAKE, QC, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Today the Coroner's Office tabled its inquest report on the tragic death of Mr. Raphaël André, Innu from the community of Matimekush–Lac-John, in Montréal on January 17, 2023. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) heartily support the recommendations set out in this report. They view them as critical lines of action to prevent further unacceptable deaths and to enhance the safety and dignity of First Nations and Inuit throughout the territory. The FNQLHSSC took part in the public hearing held as part of the coroner's inquest. Dr. Stanley Vollant, Medical Advisor at the FNQLHSSC, gave a powerful testimony emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural safety as a fundamental right that must be specifically applied at all stages of the care pathway. The discussion paper presented at the hearing also helped inform the coroner's recommendations, which align with the Declaration of First Nations' Rights to Self-Determination and Cultural Safety, adopted by the AFNQL Chiefs, and An Act to establish the cultural safety approach within the health and social services network. The tragic death of Raphaël André is a testament to the urgent need to guarantee permanent access to safe heat sources for homeless people, regardless of the economic or health context. This fundamental right to dignity and safety can no longer be ignored. "The First Nations emphasize that the right to life, liberty and security of the person is a fundamental right. In memory of Mr. Raphaël André, we strongly reaffirm that our right to cultural safety must be wholly recognized, respected and concretely integrated throughout the entire health and social services network," said Francis Verreault-Paul, Chief of the AFNQL. "This report highlights the urgent need for drastic and long-lasting systemic changes. Homelessness is a major health, safety and social justice issue for First Nations in Quebec. The FNQLHSSC is reiterating that cultural safety must be at the core of all services provided to First Nations, particularly for people experiencing homelessness and those facing its impacts. First Nations should be able to benefit from services that reflect their reality, respect their identify, and answer their needs. This is a matter of dignity, wellness, and fundamental rights," added Derek Montour, President of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors. The AFNQL and the FNQLHSSC wish to express, once again, their most sincere condolences to Raphaël André's family and loved ones and to the community of Matimekush–Lac-John. The AFNQL is the political organization that brings together 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. About the FNQLHSSC The FNQLHSSC is a non-profit organization that supports Quebec First Nations in achieving their objectives in terms of health, wellness, culture, and self-determination. SOURCE First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission
CBC
15-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Death of homeless Innu man found in portable toilet was preventable, says Quebec coroner
A Quebec coroner looking into the death of Raphaël "Napa" André, a homeless Innu man whose body was found inside a portable toilet in Montreal in January 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, concluded his death was preventable. In a report made public on Thursday, Coroner Stéphanie Gamache wrote that it was impossible for her to conclude that "that Mr. André was solely responsible for his fate." The 51-year-old from the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John died due to hypothermia in a context of severe alcohol intoxication, but Gamache wrote that there were systemic failures that contributed to his death as well. "If a door had been opened to him and if he had had a heated and safe place to stay for the night, it is clear to me ... that he would not have died, even if he was heavily intoxicated due to alcohol," she said. His body was found steps away from a shelter on Parc Avenue, that had been closed by public health officials because of plumbing problems and a COVID-19 outbreak. Quebec had also imposed a nighttime curfew to curb the spread of the virus. In her 75-page report, Gamache noted several gaps or failures in terms of André's care and access to services in the months preceding his death. The 23 recommendations issued in her report are aimed at preventing another death in similar circumstances. Those recommendations centred on five themes identified by Gamache as ways to strengthen the safety net she says is necessary to help people experiencing homelessness regain their rightful place in our society. First she stressed the importance of ensuring centralized monitoring for the homeless population who consult various facilities within the healthcare network. She also focused on the need to develop facilities that can accommodate clients who are intoxicated and have acquired brain injuries. Gamache also underscored the need to put cultural safety at the heart of initiatives to help people experiencing homelessness. The fourth theme delves into the particular context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gamache said the specific needs of vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, need to be considered and taken into account when making emergency decisions. Lastly Gamache pointed to the need for permanent funding for resources that provide emergency shelter. Gamache's report follows public inquiry hearings that were held between May 13 and June 10, 2024, and included the participation of 51 witnesses. Among them were Réal McKenzie, Chief of the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John, as well as André's brother, sister-in-law, and mother who, Gamache said, traveled from their community to testify. Gamache expressed her gratitude for their testimony and extended her condolences to the family and community.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- CTV News
Quebec coroner to release report into Innu man who froze to death in Montreal in 2021
An empty Sainte-Catherine Street is shown in Montreal, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes) A coroner is scheduled to release her report on Thursday into the death of a homeless Innu man whose body was found inside a portable toilet in Montreal. Fifty-one-year-old Raphaël 'Napa' André died in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. His body was found steps away from a shelter that had been closed by public health officials because of plumbing problems and a COVID-19 outbreak. Quebec had also imposed a nighttime curfew to curb the spread of the virus. Coroner Stéphanie Gamache is scheduled to hold a news conference in Montreal shortly after she releases her report. The coroner's inquest on André's death was held in May and June 2024. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2025.
