The coroner’s public inquiry into the death of Raphaël André, an Innu who died in Montreal in January 2021 in a chemical toilet during the curfew period of the COVID-19 pandemic, begins Monday.
The man, whom everyone called “Napa”, was found dead in this toilet, near a homeless shelter in downtown Montreal, La Porte Ouverte, which he used to frequent. Usually open 24 hours a day, the shelter had been temporarily closed at night due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.
The 51-year-old Innu, originally from Matimekush-Lac John, had probably taken refuge there to protect himself from the winter cold and possibly to avoid a fine for being outside during the pandemic curfew.
The death of “Napa” dismayed Quebecers. This investigation has the potential to bring to the forefront the lack of public resources to help people experiencing homelessness in Montreal, the weaknesses of the social safety net during unforeseen events like the pandemic and the over-representation of Indigenous people in resources for homeless or vulnerable people.
After Mr. André’s death, Indigenous leaders quickly mobilized to set up a heat stop, the “Raphaël André warming tent”, at Cabot Square, in the city center of the metropolis, in order to offer food and shelter to those in need.
Fearing that homeless people would put themselves in danger to avoid a fine during the curfew, the Traveling Legal Clinic asked the Superior Court to exempt them. On January 26, 2021, judge Chantal Masse suspended the application of the government decree imposing a curfew for homeless people.
The coroner’s inquest
The public hearings will take place over two weeks in Longueuil.
Around fifty people are expected to testify at the inquiry, in addition to all those who will offer recommendations.
In the list are the DD Mylène Drouin, who is the regional director of public health for the Montreal region, officials from the regional homelessness service, representatives of various resources for homeless people, police officers and Mr. André’s parents. Réal McKenzie, the leader of the Innu community from which Mr. André comes, on the North Shore, about 500 km north of Sept-Îles, will also testify.
Coroner Stéphanie Gamache was appointed to chair this investigation. She will be assisted by M.e Émilie Fay-Carlos, public inquiry prosecutor. Coroner’s inquests are not intended to determine anyone’s civil liability: their task is to examine the causes of death and make recommendations to prevent further tragic deaths.