Quebec coroner orders public inquiry into deaths of people experiencing homelessness in Montreal

The Quebec coroner’s office has launched a public inquiry into the deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness in Montreal in recent months.

The inquiry, which will be presided over by Coroner Stéphanie Gamache, aims to “shed full light on the causes and circumstances surrounding several deaths of homeless individuals in Montreal.”

Five deaths will be examined, including those of Valmont Brousseau, 71, and Serge Martin, 57, which occurred on March 24 and 25.

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada revealed that two homeless individuals had died within 24 hours in the city last week.

With tears in her eyes, Martinez Ferrada stated at a press conference that “it is not normal to lose people when we have the means to save them.”

Coroner Gamache’s investigation will also examine the deaths of Jennifer De Nobile, 30, on September 23, 2025; Marie Soleil Nantais, 46, on October 24, 2025; and Alain Paris, 55, on March 24, 2026.

If she deems it necessary, the coroner may consider other deaths that occurred under similar circumstances “in order to provide a comprehensive view of the situation.”

According to the coroner’s office, the public inquest will allow for an “in-depth” analysis of the causes and circumstances of the deaths and will shed light on contributing factors.

“In a context where deaths among homeless individuals are on the rise, a thorough examination is needed to address the underlying human and social issues,” emphasized Quebec’s Chief Coroner, Reno Bernier, in a press release issued Wednesday morning.

“It’s not surprising that we’re seeing an increase in the number of people dying in our sector,” said James Hughes, president and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission.

Beyond determining the causes of death, organizations are hoping the inquiry leads to concrete improvements — particularly in coordination with the healthcare system.

“We have a network that has a far greater need than there is presently an offer of service from the medical system,” Hughes said.

Community organizations flag possible lack of Indigenous representation

Advocates on the front lines say the situation is nothing new.

The inquiry follows a community memorial held by Resilience Montreal in November that counted 32 deaths, 26 of whom were Indigenous.

David Chapman, executive director of Resilience, told CityNews that 10 more people have died since then.

“Community organizations which work with unhoused people in various ways, like Resilience Montreal, still struggle to find operational funding,” he said.

“We’ve been doing memorials for years,” added Na’kuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal.

She also questioned whether the inquiry will fully reflect the reality on the ground, particularly when it comes to Indigenous communities.

“Our community is dying at a higher rate than anyone else, and they’re not included in this inquest,” Na’kuset said.

CityNews did not receive confirmation before deadline on whether any of the five cases being examined involve Indigenous individuals.

Coroner Gamache may expand the scope of the inquiry to include other deaths that occurred under similar circumstances, a statement from the coroner’s office reads.

At the conclusion of her investigation, Coroner Gamache will issue recommendations to better protect people experiencing homelessness and prevent further deaths.

On Wednesday, Mayor Martinez Ferrada welcomed the inquiry, but also raised questions about a lack of possible Indigenous representation in its sample.

“I think it’s something we should talk to the coroner and see if it’s something they want to add to their inquiry,” she said.

Details regarding the investigation’s progress will be released at a later date and will be available on the coroner’s website.

–with files from La Presse Canadienne