The Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) provides forensic pathology services under the Coroners Act. The OFPS works closely with the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to death investigation in the public interest. Together, the Chief Forensic Pathologist (CFP) and Chief Coroner provide collaborative leadership for Ontario’s death investigation system.

Our vision

Deliver a high-quality death investigation system for a safer and healthier Ontario.

Our mission

Support the administration of justice and the prevention of premature death and be responsive to Ontario’s diverse needs.

Our values

  • Integrity
  • Responsiveness
  • Excellence
  • Accountability
  • Diversity

The OFPS applies these core values by embracing an independent and evidence-based approach that emphasizes the importance of thinking objectively in pursuit of the truth. The OFPS is committed to service, research and teaching.

Our legislation

The Coroners Act defines the roles and responsibilities of pathologists and coroners in death investigations and enhances the quality, organization and accountability of forensic pathology services:

  • defines the OFPS as the unified system under which registered pathologists provide forensic pathology services, including autopsies
  • defines the position of the CFP as overseer of forensic pathology services
  • defines the positions of the Deputy Chief Forensic Pathologist (DCFP) and registered pathologist
  • requires a registry of pathologists accredited to perform medicolegal autopsies
  • requires the CFP to communicate with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) on any adverse findings related to competency and professionalism of a registered pathologist

Registered pathologists have legal authority under the Coroners Act to attend scenes under investigation, order ancillary tests and retain specimens as required.

Our governance

The OFPS and the OCC are part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General (SOLGEN) and are accountable to the Solicitor General. The Deputy Solicitor General, Community Safety, provides direction on administrative matters.

The Death Investigation Oversight Council (DIOC) ensures that death investigation services in Ontario are effective and accountable. As an independent advisory agency, the DIOC provides oversight of the OFPS and OCC, administers a public complaints process and provides advice and recommendations to the Chief Coroner and CFP.

Our structure

Ontario Forensic Pathology Service

Under the Coroners Act, the CFP administers and operates the OFPS. Specifically, the CFP:

  • supervises and directs pathologists
  • facilitates educational programming for pathologists
  • prepares, publishes and distributes a code of ethics
  • maintains a register of pathologists authorized to provide services

Two DCFPs have all the powers and authorities of the CFP in the event the CFP is absent or unable to act, or if the CFP’s position becomes vacant. The DCFPs also support the CFP in the administration, oversight and quality management of the OFPS.

Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit

The forensic pathologists of the Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU) performed approximately 6,040 autopsies per year in Ontario, mainly from the Greater Toronto Area. The PFPU is affiliated with the University of Toronto and is the central referral facility for many complex autopsies from across the province, including homicides, skeletal remains and suspicious infant and child deaths.

In August 2020, Dr. Liza Boucher was promoted to Medical Manager, Pathology Administration. This is the third medical manager position created at the PFPU to increase supervisory capacity. Specifically, she helps the DCFPs manage renumeration for professional services and facilitates quality assurance and Trillium Gift of Life Network initiatives. She also serves as the new Education Coordinator for the OFPS for the diverse training and educational programs of the PFPU and OFPS.

The PFPU comprises professional and technical roles in addition to forensic pathologists, including:

  • forensic anthropologists and identification specialists
  • physician assistants
  • pathologist’s assistants
  • histotechnologists
  • forensic services technologists
  • dispatchers/morgue attendants
  • forensic photographers
  • imaging technologists
  • morgue technologists
  • administrative and management personnel, as well as consultants

Forensic pathology units

Forensic pathology units (FPUs) are located in university teaching hospitals in Kingston, London, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. These units provide expertise in forensic pathology for approximately 2,697 routine and complex autopsies annually, including homicides and paediatric cases. The Ministry of the Solicitor General, through the OFPS, provides funding to these units.

Complex forensic autopsies are performed by qualified forensic pathologists, most of whom work at a FPU or at the PFPU in Toronto. Some non-suspicious paediatric autopsies are performed at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. Perinatal autopsies are also performed at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

Community hospitals

Pathologists working in 10 community hospitals support the work of the OFPS by conducting routine medicolegal autopsies in their facilities on a fee-for-service basis.

Our partners and working relationships

In Ontario, our major partners are the OCC, municipal and provincial police agencies, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) as well as the province’s criminal justice system.

The OFPS also collaborates with universities on research, education and training, and provides services to Canada’s Department of National Defence.