B.C. chief coroner adopts collaborative approach to overdoses

B.C.'s new chief coroner, Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, is adopting a less political approach to the overdose crisis, focusing on collaboration among differing treatment advocates. He aims to analyze overdose trends more deeply rather than just reporting monthly numbers. Baidwan, who began his term in August, emphasizes the need for strategic communication about drug deaths and other preventable fatalities. He plans to enhance partnerships with health organizations to improve data analysis. This approach contrasts with his predecessor, Lisa Lapointe, who was more vocal in advocating for decriminalization and safer drug supplies. Baidwan aims to address concerns about B.C.'s low autopsy rates and the growing number of deaths by hiring more coroners.