The Quebec coroner’s office is investigating after a four-year-old boy died in Ivujivik, an Inuit community on the northern tip of Quebec. “A coroner has been appointed to conduct an inquest to establish the causes and circumstances surrounding the child’s death,” said Jake Lamotta Granato, a spokesperson at the coroner’s office. “At the conclusion of her inquest, if she deems it appropriate, the coroner may also make recommendations. These are preventive measures aimed at protecting human life and preventing deaths in similar circumstances.” The child’s grandmother, Annie Mangiuk, pleaded for help before the boy passed away. “His mother and us [have] been bothering nurses and they keep telling us give him Advil regularly,” she posted on social media on July 31. “We know he is dying slowly because the nurses keep refusing to see him during the evening.” The Inuulitsivik Health Centre and Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services said in a joint news release that the organizations are “committed to transparency and to shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this loss.” “We recognize that this loss is deeply painful for the family, their loved ones, and the entire community,” the release reads. “Our thoughts are with everyone who is grieving and with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.” The agencies said that a multidisciplinary review of the case has been initiated and that independent and external processes are also underway. “We have a responsibility to ensure that the circumstances around this tragedy are thoroughly and objectively examined,” the release reads. The IHC said it would not comment on clinical information about the child. “We understand that emotions are understandably strong,” the release continues. “We please ask everyone to remain calm, to look after one another, and to allow the appropriate processes to take place. Violence is not the solution. It will not bring answers or healing to the family or the community. At this difficult time, we encourage people to come together with compassion, respect and care for one another.” The IHC said that support is available and health professionals are on the ground.
