A standing hearing will take place to determine who can participate in the upcoming inquest into the death of Jason Norman Collins, aged 36, of Winnipeg.
On April 9, 2020, members of the Winnipeg Police Service responded to a 911 call at a home on Anderson Avenue. Upon arrival, officers heard a woman screaming inside the home and forced their way inside, where they saw Collins holding what appeared to be a handgun to his head. Officers retreated from the home and established a perimeter, and shortly after, Collins came outside with the handgun. After repeated calls for the man to drop the weapon, officers discharged their weapons and struck him. Collins was transported to Health Sciences Centre, where he was declared deceased.
Under the Fatality Inquiries Act, an inquest has been called by the chief medical examiner for the following reasons:
- Collins died as a result of the use of force by a peace officer who was acting in the course of duty;
- to determine the circumstances relating to Collins’ death; and
- to determine what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.
Before the inquest begins, the judge will decide who can participate in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and groups may make an application to be granted standing and to participate in the inquest. Those interested in applying for standing should contact Boyd McGill, inquest counsel, at 204-795-3086 or at boyd.mcgill@gov.mb.ca by April 4.
The standing hearing will be held on April 6 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 408 at the Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
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For more information:
- Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
- Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
- Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.
