No criminal charges in CHSLD Herron case after investigation into COVID-19 deaths
There will be no criminal charges laid relating to CHSLD Herron, a long-term care facility in Dorval on Montreal's West Island, after 47 people died during a COVID-19 outbreak at the home.
The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) concludes that after a "rigorous analysis of the evidence available" by four prosecutors, there is not enough proof to show a criminal offence took place.
"Based on the requirements for the sufficiency of evidence for criminal prosecution, the prosecutors concluded that the evidence did not support the laying of charges," the DPCP stated Thursday. "This decision in no way trivializes the tragic events that occurred at CHLSD Herron, nor does it mean that no civil or ethical wrongdoing may have occurred."
The prosecutors looked at evidence gathered by the Montreal police during its investigation, as well as additional information and medical expertise from other sources.
"What happened at [CHSLD] Herron is totally unacceptable," said Premier François Legault Thursday, insisting the government has already made some changes -- and promises to continue doing so -- to make sure a similar incident doesn't happen again. "Regarding criminal charges, it's not my responsibility. They studied; I didn't look at all the details of what happened. Like I said, it's totally unacceptable."
The DPCP states it sympathizes with the families of the deceased, "who must not only mourn the loss of their loved ones, but also regret not having been able to be at their bedside during the pandemic."
It notes that it has informed all the families concerned of the decision not to press charges.
HORRIFIC CONDITIONS
The private residence was among the hardest hit in Quebec when COVID-19 arrived in the province.
A damning report last spring by three Quebec professional orders overseeing health care workers, found the situation at CHSLD Herron was "out of control."
At one point, there was only one nurse left to care for the home's more than 100 residents, it stated, since workers had been told to stay home if they showed symptoms of COVID-19 or had come into contact with someone who tested positive.
The report notes by March, 11 of the 12 nurses at the home had contracted the virus.
"This instruction was given without regard as to whether there was enough staff to meet basic care and support needs," the report argues, adding staffing shortages meant a deterioration of care, leaving many elderly residents dehydrated or in soiled clothing for long periods of time.
SETTLEMENT REACHED
Following a class action lawsuit over the mass deaths during the first wave of the pandemic, residents of CHSLD Herron reached a $5.5 million settlement with management, who did not admit liability.
The agreement was signed in March and provides for the payment of compensation to be shared with the estates of the deceased, their spouses or children, as well as residents who survived the deadly outbreak.
The class action alleged that residents were deprived of care and neglected in the context of the pandemic and they deserved compensation for the way they were treated.
The residence has since closed and a coroner's inquest into the deaths is slated to begin Sept. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.