Quebec coroner consolidates investigation into five physician suicides since start of 2026
Chief coroner assigns case to Géhane Kamel, who will examine circumstances and identify potential common factors across deaths in Val-d'Or, Trois-Rivières, Lévis, Contrecœur and Rimouski.
Sources · Quebec Nouvelles
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Quebec's chief coroner Reno Bernier announced Wednesday that five physician suicides since the beginning of 2026 will be investigated together under a single coroner to identify potential common factors.
The investigation has been assigned to coroner Géhane Kamel, who will examine the circumstances of each death: Denis Brouillette, who died March 9 in Val-d'Or; Karina Deshaies Poliquin, April 16 in Trois-Rivières; Carole-Anne Lavoie-Bérard, June 15 in Lévis; Éric Sauvageau, July 29 in Contrecœur; and Alain Girard, August 28 in Rimouski.
Kamel's role will be to examine the circumstances of each death while identifying potential common contributing factors across them. Kamel has presided over inquests and has led investigations into deaths in long-term care facilities during the first wave of COVID-19.
The decision follows a September 2026 request for a public inquiry from a group of doctors. Kamel's conclusions will be made public in reports. If the investigation does not adequately illuminate the causes, circumstances or allow for recommendations, the possibility of a public inquiry can be re-evaluated under the Coroner's Act.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Quebec coroner's office offers support through phone 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553) or chat at suicide.ca.
What specific factors or patterns did the group of doctors cite in their September request for public inquiry?
How long will the consolidated investigation take, and when will initial findings be released?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many physician suicides is Quebec investigating together?
Five physician suicides occurring since the beginning of 2026 are being investigated together under a consolidated investigation led by coroner Géhane Kamel.
Who is leading the investigation?
Coroner Géhane Kamel, assigned by chief coroner Reno Bernier, is leading the consolidated investigation into the five deaths.
What are the names and dates of the physicians who died?
Denis Brouillette died March 9 in Val-d'Or; Karina Deshaies Poliquin died April 16 in Trois-Rivières; Carole-Anne Lavoie-Bérard died June 15 in Lévis; Éric Sauvageau died July 29 in Contrecœur; and Alain Girard died August 28 in Rimouski.
What will the investigation look for?
Coroner Kamel will examine the circumstances of each death and identify potential common contributing factors across all five cases.
