Iqaluit (Sep 29/03) - Public interest and concern surrounding the death of Margaret Jeffrey has prompted the chief coroner to order an inquest.

Jeffrey died Sept. 2 after she was struck by an Iqaluit city vehicle.

Chief Coroner Tim Neily has not set a date for the inquest, but said it will be conducted at his discretion.

"One of the reasons a coroner would hold an inquest is to satisfy the public interest and their concern for safety," he said.

Neily emphasized that an inquest strictly looks at the facts and is not a trial or a criminal investigation.

"We don't look for blame or point fingers," he said. "If there were criminal charges the inquest would stop immediately."

"It's a very formal and intense process," said Neily. "The positive from the inquest, is that through the jury recommendations steps can be taken to prevent these accidents."