Investigation Into Deaths at Mental Health Facility

Halton Regional News covered the original search for Randy Mogridge who left the grounds of Oakland Regional Centre, a home for the mentally ill in Oakville Ontario who was later found drowned in a river behind the Centre. His death totals the number to 10 residents who died since 2000 while recieving treatment at the Centre.

Dr Barry McLellan, Ontario's Chief Coroner announced in January 2005 there would be an investigation to determine whether or not there would be a coroner's inquest into 10 deaths at Oakland Regional Centre.

From Medbroadcast.com's March 30, 2005 web post: "Coroners and police have spent months investigating 10 deaths at Oakland Regional Centre in Oakville over a four-year period that began in January 2000. The expanded probe should wrap up by the end of May, and a decision on whether to hold an inquest will be made then, said the statement."

CTV's 10 second announcement into this very serious issue this morning on Canada AM reporting there would be an investigation. CTV did not clarify if it a coroner's inquest was commencing or if it was a concurrent criminal investigation.

Halton Regional Police confirmed there were officers involved with the Coroner's Office but could not confirm whether or not there would be a concurrent criminal negligence investigation into the 10 deaths at the Centre, including that of Randy Mogridge.

Many caring individuals in Hamilton were searching for Randy when he went missing. The details of how the mentally ill, many autistic like Randy, were treated at this Centre.

I wrote to Judy Marsales, Liberal M.P.P. of Hamilton Centre to inquire whether or not there would be an investigation into criminal negligence of the Centre. In her written response she was going to look into it but I still have not heard any confirmation. When contacting her office I was told by a staff member that it wasn't a big concern to them because it wasn't a concern of their constituents.

Randy's, and the other residents who died while residing at Oakridge Regional Centre had the right to life as guaranteed under the Charter. They also had the right to be protected equally under s. 15 of the Charter. The horrendous treatment of these individuals underscore the attitudes of our community towards to mentally ill, especially by those who are purported to be their "support" system.

Their Charter rights should not be denied in death. To protect others, the families of Randy and the other victims should expect equal protection under law, that being the Criminal Code of Canada.

I implore Halton Regional Police to commence a criminal negligence investigation to protect others from the individuals, including the director, that worked at this Centre from ever working within the health care system again. The result will protect others that work in all Centres that care for the mentally ill. Justice does not depend on convictions.

As for Judy Marsales, a Liberal, sometimes following the supreme law of Canada is more important than what the majority of your constituents want or understand. Even if those concerns fall out of your jurisdiction, these things affect all of us but especially the families of the victims.

I am waiting to hear confirmation whether or not CTV's announcement was a commencement of a coroner's inquest, a criminal investigation or both. I will update post when I learn more.