Ontario's shift toward virtual coroner's inquests scoops in high-profile Ottawa case

For decades, coroner's inquests in Ontario took place in person. That all changed with COVID-19, and while some feel it's been a big advantage to go virtual — as will be the case when the Abdirahman Abdi inquest begins today — not everyone agrees.

Ontario's shift toward virtual coroner's inquests scoops in high-profile Ottawa case
Lawrence Greenspon, lawyer for the Abdi Family, stands with family members as he speaks during a rally after an Ottawa Police constable was found not guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in connection with the 2016 death of  Abdirahman Abdi, a 37-year old Black man, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020.

For decades, coroner's inquests in Ontario took place in person. That all changed with COVID-19, and while some feel it's been a big advantage to go virtual — as will be the case when the Abdirahman Abdi inquest begins today — not everyone agrees.