There are two types of cases brought before the board:

1. Mandatory - All cases that fall under section 10(2)(i), 11, 12, or 13 of the Fatality Inquiries Act.

   These include when a person dies in custody, on or off correctional institution premises, as well as deaths in police custody or as a result of the use of force by a peace officer while on duty, deaths of involuntary mental hospital patients and deaths of foster children (under Child Welfare). Inquiries will be held in all cases, unless the board is satisfied that the death was due to natural causes (see section 33(3)).

   
   

2. Other cases - Other deaths as outlined in section 10(2) and section 32(1) of the Fatality Inquiries Act. This includes accidental deaths and deaths resulting from the use or abuse of alcohol and drugs. Members of the public can request a specific case be reviewed by writing a letter of concern to the board. The board will then decide whether or not to recommend an inquiry.

The board may recommend a case for inquiry if there is a possibility of preventing similar deaths in the future, or if there is a need for public protection or clarification of circumstances surrounding a case.