The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) is the statutory entity that works in the public interest to answer questions about sudden and unexpected deaths by performing medicolegal autopsies. We work with families and our death investigation partners: coroners, police services, public health, criminal justice and others. As public servants, we commit to accountable, transparent and quality practices. The people of Ontario rely on our expertise to enable the criminal justice system and to remove suspicion in cases that are not criminal.

During this reporting period, the world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and we were continuing to deal with the opioid crisis. Although workload continued to increase across the province, by implementing innovative procedures, the OFPS was able to manage and respond to gaps in our regional service delivery. Together with the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Chief Coroner and our corporate partners, we are exploring interim and permanent solutions for underserviced areas, such as Thunder Bay, to ensure that cultural practices for families and Indigenous communities are better respected.

I recognize that all members of the OFPS team are dedicated to serving the public. I salute their expertise, commitment, enthusiasm and compassion.

Michael S. Pollanen, MD PhD FRCPath DMJ (Path) FRCPC Founder, forensic pathology 
Chief Forensic Pathologist of Ontario and Deputy Chief Coroner
Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto