An inquiry has commenced regarding the passing of a Wiikwemkoong man who died four days after being detained at the Sudbury District Jail. Justin Alexander Trudeau, aged 44, passed away on February 13, 2021, at the Sudbury facility, with the cause of death yet to be disclosed to the jury.
During the first day of the eight-day inquiry, the focus was on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the correctional system. Testimony from two nurses who were on duty at the time of Trudeau’s death was presented to the jury.
At the time of his incarceration, Trudeau received medical attention for an infected hand wound and was provided with medication by the nursing staff. Although he occasionally used an inhaler, he did not have one or a prescription when arrested. Trudeau contacted his mother the night before his demise, expressing his need for the inhaler.
In a statement read by inquest lawyer Jenna Simpson, Trudeau’s partner described him as a “devoted father” with a passion for the outdoors. Additionally, a statement from Trudeau’s daughter highlighted her desire to know her father better, as their relationship was just developing before his sudden death.
Adele Bluemeke, a registered nurse at the Sudbury jail during Trudeau’s passing, testified that the pandemic significantly increased the workload for nurses, putting additional strain on an already stretched system. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, doctors were consulting with inmates via phone, impacting medical care delivery.
Bluemeke emphasized the challenges faced by staff in an environment that is constantly under-resourced, affecting patient care and staff safety. She highlighted the need for stable staffing to ensure proper medical and security operations within the correctional facility.
The inquiry, overseen by Dr. Ronald Goldstein, will resume on Tuesday to further investigate the circumstances surrounding Trudeau’s tragic demise.