ATTN PARAMEDICS - PROVINCIAL DEATH INVESTIGATOR PILOT
Date: 2026-01-19
Ministry of the Solicitor General
Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC/OFPS)
The Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) is pleased to announce the launch of the recruitment for paramedics to serve as Provincial Death Investigators (PDIs) for its PDI Pilot.
The OCC is committed to providing high-quality death investigations and is seeking to strengthen and diversify the death investigation workforce through the recruitment of paramedics via this initiative. This pilot project will be used to assess the effectiveness of paramedics in:
- conducting death investigations
- addressing challenges with on scene attendance and schedule gaps in the pilot areas within the province.
The Office of the Chief Coroner will be recruiting five to ten paramedics to serve as PDIs who live or work in the following areas:
- Midland
- Collingwood
- Grey County
- Counties of Wellington and Dufferin
The OCC is committed to providing high-quality death investigations and is seeking to strengthen and diversify the death investigation workforce through the recruitment of paramedics via this initiative.
PDI Role
The PDI will primarily conduct investigations into non-natural deaths (homicide, suicide, accident, undetermined), and certain natural deaths (such as those which meet the criteria under the Coroners Act). Attendance at the scene of death is required for investigations.
The accompanying position description provides further details on responsibilities, qualifications, and the application process.
Successful candidates will be part of the Spring 2026 cohort attending the New Coroners Course. This will be a one-year pilot, with ongoing evaluation throughout and upon completion of the one-year period.
Information Session
A voluntary information session will be held virtually via Zoom on January 26, 2026 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm to share more information about this opportunity. The session will be recorded. Attendance at the session is optional and will have no impact on application process.
- Please join via Zoom link: provided to members via email (please contact the OPA or your chapter executive for info)
- Meeting ID: XXX XXXX XXXX
- Passcode: XXXXXX
Application Process
Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, OASIS number and responses to questions in the position description to sio@ontario.ca no later than February 1st, 2026.
Location Criteria
Must live within 100km of Collingwood, Midland, Counties of Wellington and Dufferin or Grey County
Reference
Description
- The Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario (OCC) is seeking paramedics for appointment as Provincial Death Investigators pursuant to s. 16.1 of the Coroners Act. This role will be responsible for contributing to the public safety mandate of the OCC/OFPS through high quality death investigations.
- An appointed Provincial Death Investigator will investigate deaths in accordance with the Coroners Act, including sudden and unexpected, non-natural and those occurring in certain circumstances, institutions or occupations (e.g. in-custody, mining, construction).
Primary Function
- Conduct investigations into non-natural deaths (homicide, suicide, accident, undetermined), and certain natural deaths (such as those which are sudden and unexpected; occurring in certain institutional settings; or in which there are concerns about medical care).
- Attendance at the scene of death is mandatory.
Other Functions
- Interact with families/representatives of those who have died and provide them with appropriate and timely information about the conduct and outcome of your investigation.
- Work closely with a variety of colleagues in death investigation, including forensic and other pathologists, forensic scientists, law enforcement personnel, Office of the Fire Marshal, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and other investigative agencies.
- Complete reports of investigations which are shared with families, law enforcement personnel, the criminal justice system and other parties as set out under relevant legislation.
Mandatory Qualifications
- Provide and maintain proof of Certification as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), or Critical Care Paramedic (CCP), in the Province of Ontario, in accordance with all Patient Care Standards and Medical Directives
- 12-month commitment to the pilot
- Must have availability to take on scheduled shift duties (including evenings/weekends) and complete investigation reports within the timeframes in current operational guidelines.
- The Paramedic is responsible for their own insurance and agrees to maintain the necessary and appropriate insurance that a prudent person in the business of the Paramedic would maintain
- Must enter into an agreement to provide the services set out in this position description
Specialized Knowledge / Experience
- Experience in the practice of paramedicine
- Working understanding of pathophysiology and toxicology
- Analytical mind, and an aptitude for problem-solving and logical thinking
- Maintain up to date knowledge with applicable policies and procedures for conducting death investigations
- Participate in initial and ongoing education in death investigation
Communications Skills
- Communication skills to interact with colleagues, including medical and legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the public
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with grieving families and maintain confidentiality regarding all investigations
- Written communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence
Term
- Appointed for a term not exceeding 18 months to start
Remuneration
- Appointees are eligible to receive payments under an established Fee for Service (FFS) model
Application Process
- Submit cover letter, resume and OASIS Number to sio@ontario.ca by 11:59pm on February 1, 2026, and including responses to the following questions:
- Are you available to attend mandatory in-person training for one consecutive week between May 25th – 29th, 2026 (inclusive) including completion of online pre-course materials in advance of the course? Yes/No
- Are you an active paramedic as defined by the Ambulance Act as of February 1, 2026? Yes/No
- What is your primary city of residence including postal code?
Special Note
- To introduce the death investigation system to paramedics considered for appointment, a mandatory in-person New Coroners Course will be scheduled for May 25th – 29th 2026 (inclusive). This will take place at 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto. Participants must also complete online pre-course modules, videos, and quizzes (approx. 15 hours) successfully prior to attending the mandatory in-person course. As part of this pilot project, an honorarium will be provided to cover expenses and time of attendance. Further details will be provided upon successful completion of the interview and screening process.
- Paramedics considered for appointment will be required to:
- undergo a criminal record check (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)), and
- provide proof of Certification as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) or Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) in the Province of Ontario prior to appointment as a Provincial Death Investigator
- provide copies of government-issued identification, including but not limited to a photo driver's licence, birth certificate, or passport.
- Additionally, valid proof of a Social Insurance Number (SIN) must be presented, either in the form of a physical SIN card or a certified record from Service Canada. These documents must be provided at the time of appointment.
- Successful appointees will be required to inform their Paramedic Chief/Supervisor of their appointment as a Provincial Death Investigator.
- For inquiries, please email sio@ontario.ca and quote Provincial Death Investigator - Inquiry in the subject line.
FAQ Package for Provincial Death Investigator (PDI) Pilot Project
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to address frequently asked questions related to the Provincial Death Investigator (PDI) Pilot Project being offered by the Office of the Chief Coroner. This document is for use by Regional Supervising Coroners and paramedic leadership.
What is the primary function of the PDI?
The primary function of the PDI is to conduct coroner investigations into apparent non-natural deaths (homicide, suicide, accident, undetermined), and certain natural deaths (certain natural deaths (such as those which meet the criteria under the Coroners Act) when a coroner is not available to attend the scene.
Other duties include:
- Interact with families of those who have died and provide them with appropriate and timely information about the conduct and outcome of your investigation.
- Work closely with other professionals involved in death investigation, including forensic and other pathologists, forensic scientists, law enforcement personnel, Office of the Fire Marshal, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and other investigative agencies.
- Complete reports of investigations which are shared with families, law enforcement personnel, the criminal justice system and other parties as set out under relevant legislation.
Is attendance at the scene of death mandatory?
- Yes. The PDI must be able to attend the scene within 1-2 hours of receiving notification of the death.
What are the target areas for this pilot project?
- Collingwood, Midland, Counties of Wellington and Dufferin or Grey County.
What qualifications are required for this role?
- Provide and maintain proof of Certification in the Province of Ontario in accordance with all Patient Care Standards and Medical Directives as either a:
- Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), or
- Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP), or
- Critical Care Paramedic (CCP)
- All applicants must be an active paramedic as defined by the Ambulance Act.
Specialized Knowledge / Experience
- Experience in the practice of paramedicine
- Working understanding of pathophysiology and toxicology
- Analytical mind, and an aptitude for problem-solving and logical thinking
- Maintain up to date knowledge with applicable policies and procedures for conducting death investigations
- Participation in initial and ongoing education in death investigation
Communication Skills
- Communication skills to interact with investigative colleagues, including medical and legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the public
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with grieving families and maintain confidentiality regarding all investigations
- Written communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence
- Paramedics considered for appointment will be required to undergo a criminal record check (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)).
Are the Provincial Death Investigators employees of the Ontario Public Service?
- No. Provincial Death Investigators will be fee-for-service independent contractors appointed by the Chief Coroner for Ontario
- Once appointed, the appointees will enter into a Service Level Agreement with the Office of the Chief Coroner, which outlines the key duties and responsibilities of the appointment and the remuneration structure
What is the length of the pilot
- This will be a one-year pilot and will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and upon completion of the one year period
What is the time commitment required for the pilot
- Scheduled shifts are typically 12 hours each. Paramedics appointed as PDIs can only be scheduled for PDI shifts on days they are not working in their employment as paramedics.
- PDIs must have availability for scheduled shift duties (including evenings/weekends) and complete investigation reports within the timeframes in current operational guidelines.
- Typically, the total amount of time a PDI would be expected for a death investigation from start (scene attendance) to finish (final report) would average about 3.5 hours
Is insurance required for PDI work?
What training is provided?
- New Coroners Course (NCC): Mandatory in-person training May 25th – 29th, 2026 (inclusive) at 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto
- Completion of online pre-course materials is required in advance of the NCC
- As part of this pilot project, an honorarium will be provided to cover expenses and time for attendance at the NCC. Further details will be provided upon successful completion of the interview and screening process.
- Preceptorship: PDIs to be paired with experienced coroners to provide guidance and support for at least the first three cases.
Who is the contact for any additional questions?
Turab Ibrahim
Strategy, Implementation and Oversight Unit, Manager
Office of the Chief Coroner
turab.ibrahim@ontario.ca
Headquarters
Ministry of the Solicitor General
Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC/OFPS)
25 Morton Shulman Avenue
Toronto, ON M3M 0B1