SASKATOON — Saskatchewan health officials once again offered their condolences to the family and friends of Trevor Dubois and vowed accountability and transparency following the tragic incident that took the life of the 36-year-old, as multiple investigations continue.
Dubois, who was being treated for a brain tumour at the Royal University Hospital’s in-patient cancer treatment centre, died on Jan. 9, following an altercation with security officers.
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said Saskatchewan Health Authority officials, led by CEO Andrew Will, immediately reached out to the Dubois family after learning of the incident. He has yet to meet with the family but has spoken with Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand several times.
“I think [the meeting] really started the conversation in terms of understanding what occurred that day, and what changes can and will be made going forward,” Cockrill said during a joint media conference with Will on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Saskatoon Cabinet Office.
He added that all parties involved are still waiting for more information about the incident, particularly from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and the Saskatoon Police Service investigation, and renewed the government’s commitment to continue discussions with the Dubois family and the STC.
Cockrill said he has allowed the family time to grieve and bury their loved one and is committed to meeting with them once more information becomes available, to continue discussions on next steps.
Will again offered words of sympathy to the Dubois family and assured them that communication will remain open as investigations continue.
“It was a difficult situation for that family not to have all the answers to the questions that they had. When we met with them, it was really our opportunity to just say how badly we feel about the loss and to ensure that we learn from this situation. Once the investigations are complete, we are committed to accountability. Part of that commitment is continuing ongoing communication with the family and STC,” Will said.
He added the SHA has suspended the peace officer involved as part of an internal review, in addition to investigations by the Coroners Service and Saskatoon police.
“We are also doing — anytime that a protective officer is using force in a situation — a use-of-force review, and we have contacted a third-party provider to assist. De-escalation is always the priority to resolve situations. But we are seeing increasing complexity and severity, including weapons, creating very unsafe conditions for patients, families, staff and physicians in our facilities,” Will said.
He added he is thankful for the responses of protective officers in situations where force was not required to ensure safety, but said the review will continue and inform training and development for security personnel.
SEIU-West President Lisa Zunti, speaking at a separate media event, said security officers assigned to hospitals and other health-care facilities, as well as health-care workers, should receive more intensive training in de-escalation techniques before being placed on the job.
