Note: Should you encounter any issues with submitting your application or have any questions related to the position, please email:
[email protected]
The Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario (OCC) and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) is seeking physicians for appointment as Investigating Coroners. This role will afford you a unique opportunity to investigate deaths set out in the Coroners Act, including: sudden and unexpected, non-natural and those occurring in certain circumstances, institutions or occupations (e.g. in-custody, mining, construction). The role will also be responsible for contributing to the public safety mandate of the OCC/OFPS through the generation of recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in future.
Please note: These positions are NOT Ontario Public Service (OPS) roles and are not governed by the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006. This posting is for on call, fee for service positions funded through the OCC/OFPS, Ministry of the Solicitor General.
- These fee-for-service Investigating Coroner positions are represented by OPSEU. Successful candidates for these positions may contact OPSEU for information.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
- 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).
- 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 a variety of stakeholders in death investigation, including forensic and other pathologists, forensic scientists, law enforcement personnel, Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Ministry of Labour, and other investigative agencies.
- Complete reports of your investigations which are shared with families, law enforcement personnel, the criminal justice system and other parties as set out under relevant legislation.
- You will be provided with initial and ongoing education in death investigation, as well as ongoing supervision and mentorship by an experienced Regional Supervising Coroner.
- Experienced Investigating Coroners may apply to preside at coroners' inquests.
- A licensed physician in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- Licensed or eligible for independent practice by July 31, 2026.
- Flexibility within your work schedule to take on on-call duties (including evenings/weekends) and complete investigative reports within prescribed timeframes.
- You have experience in the practice of medicine (primary care, or a medical or surgical specialty).
- You have a working understanding of pathophysiology and toxicology.
- You have an analytical mind, and an aptitude for problem-solving and logical thinking.
- You are able to accept supervision and direction from a senior coroner and to maintain currency with Best Practice Guidelines and other directives.
- You are required to participate in initial and ongoing education in death investigation.
- You have effective communication skills to interact with stakeholders, including medical and legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
- You can demonstrate tact and diplomacy when communicating with grieving families, and maintain confidentiality regarding all investigations (coronial and criminal).
- You have effective written communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
- For the Ottawa and Sudbury Regional Offices, proficiency in French is an asset.
Successful applicants will be required to attend a mandatory in-person New Coroners Course, which will take place from May 17th to May 21st, 2027 (inclusive). The course will take place at 25 Morton Shulman Avenue, Toronto. Participants must also complete online pre-course training modules, videos, and quizzes successfully prior to attending the mandatory course.
Please note that a registration fee is applicable for this event. Additionally, candidates may need to cover expenses related to travel, parking, and accommodation, if applicable. Further details will be provided upon successful completion of the interview and screening process.
Central East Region
Durham and York
Central West Region
Halton, Peel and Simcoe
Waterloo Region
Wellington, Dufferin, Waterloo, Perth, Bruce, Huron, Grey and Oxford
Hamilton Region
Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Niagara and Hamilton
Kingston Region
Leeds and Grenville; Northumberland, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Frontenac, Hastings, Lennox and Addington, and Prince Edward
London Region
Essex, Chatham-Kent and Lambton; Elgin, and Middlesex
Ottawa Region
Lanark, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Prescott and Russell; Ottawa, and Renfrew
Sudbury Region
Nipissing, Parry Sound, Algoma, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane and Muskoka
Thunder Bay Region
Kenora, Rainy River and Thunder Bay
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
