by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 16/97) - A report on the NWT chief coroner's office may never be released.

"I'm not entirely sure whether that will be a public document or be considered an internal document," said deputy justice minister Don Cooper.

The report may contain personnel information, in which case it would remain internal, he said.

"I don't know what's in it. I'll read it when it gets here and we'll make a decision at that time whether it can be released for public consumption."

Cooper didn't know if any other information contained in the document would prevent its release.

The review of the coroner's office is being conducted by the chief coroner of British Columbia, Larry Campbell. Cooper said he anticipates it being completed within the next two weeks.

Campbell refused to comment on the review.

Cooper said the review was part of a strategic plan being developed for the department. The review came close to the departure of chief coroner Jo MacQuarrie, he said, because it was felt Campbell would help the acting chief coroner learn the position.

"It shouldn't be earth-shattering, because we've been doing that with respect to everything we do, and I think most departments are," said Cooper.

Campbell visited and reviewed the office last month while providing the acting chief coroner, Cathy Menard, with training.

Menard, previously administrative coroner, was appointed to the position after MacQuarrie went on indefinite sick leave earlier this year.

MacQuarrie has since left the coroner's office. It was the second time in as many years that MacQuarrie left the position. Last year she was briefly laid off, as a government cost-cutting measure, then reappointed.

Justice Minister Kelvin Ng said last week a new chief coroner will be appointed within a month.