Chief Forensic Pathologist's Report

This report covers the period during which the world continued to be gripped by the COVID‑19 pandemic. This continues to have a huge impact on all facets of society and has necessitated changes in everyone’s life. The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) and Office of the Chief Coroner have risen to the challenge to deliver world-class medicolegal death investigations under extraordinary circumstances, including unprecedented and sustained high caseloads.;

This Annual Report allows us to reflect on our achievements and our policy improvements that ensure high-quality autopsy services for families and for the death investigation, criminal justice and public health systems in Ontario.

I have never been so proud as I am now of our talented, dedicated, resilient and professional team who deliver remarkable public service. We have ensured that this public service is ethical, evidence-based, accountable and responsive. Please take this opportunity to learn more about the extent of the OFPS’ recent activities.

Michael S. Pollanen BSc, PhD, MD, FRCPath, DMJ (Path), FRCPC
Founder, forensic pathology, FFFLM (hon)
Chief Forensic Pathologist of Ontario
Professor and Vice-Chair (Innovation), Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto