Smith inquest to be broad, coroner rules

TORONTO — An inquest into the prison death of a disturbed teenager will be broadly based despite objections raised by several doctors who treated her, the presiding coroner formally ruled on Friday.

The three Ontario doctors, supported by the federal government, argued the inquest should focus only on the last days of Ashley Smith’s life at the Grand Valley Institution in Kitchener, Ont., five years ago.

They argued Dr. John Carlisle’s authority extended only to the Ontario border, and that he was barred from examining how federal prisons are run. Smith’s family, backed by other parties, wanted Carlisle to examine much more, including how Smith was treated at other prisons long before her death.

Smith, 19, of Moncton, choked to death in October 2007 as guards essentially stood by. She spent most of her last year in solitary confinement exhibiting self-harming behaviours, and had been shunted 17 times among nine prisons in five provinces.

After shocking surveillance video of Smith was shown, correctional authorities withdrew their objections, and four out-of-province doctors agreed to appear as witnesses.

“Smith happened to die in (Correctional Service of Canada) care,” Carlisle said. “By necessity, the inquest will inquire into the actions of CSC employees in their care of Ashley Smith while she was in its custody.”

The inquest is to start hearing evidence in January.