Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 16/01) - A public investigation into the death of Effie Blake is about to be launched by the territory's Chief Coroner.
Northwest Territory's Health Minister Jane Groenewegen announced a two pronged plan to uncover what went wrong in the death of the 52 year-old, Fort McPherson teacher who died from tuberculosis last summer.
Blake's youngest daughter Maria Blake called for a public inquiry into the death because she believes her mother should still be alive.
She was surprised the Health Minister took up her request.
"I don't even know how to explain how I feel," said Blake.
"I'm shocked they approved," she said.
Blake had the support of Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko who promised to go to bat for the family.
During the Legislative Assembly's first sitting of the year, Krutko lived up to his promise and implored the Health Minister to launch a public inquiry into the death.
Health Minister Jane Groenewegen responded by announcing a request for the Chief Coroner's investigation.
Groenewegen said separately the Coroner's office was the best avenue for a public inquiry.
The department is also awaiting the final draft of a report from an Edmonton TB expert on the technical aspects of TB diagnosis in the North. Parts of the report will be released.
Effie Blake's TB went undiagnosed at Inuvik Regional Hospital and the Fort McPherson Health Centre. She died in Edmonton.
According to Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer for the GNWT, no one should die from TB in this day and age.
