Prince George, BC – Counsel for Lakeland Mills will announce later this morning whether it will allow the results of a forensic investigation to be entered into evidence at the Coroner’s Inquest examining the 2012 sawmill blast that killed workers Glenn Roche and Alan Little.

On Friday, presiding coroner, Lisa Lapointe, ruled the evidence – the results of a post-blast investigation undertaken by a forensic engineering firm on behalf of lawyers for Lakeland – is relevant to the inquiry.

However, Lapointe also ruled it is protected privilege under the Coroners Act.  She asked counsel for Lakeland to waive privilege and allow the evidence to be admitted and has requested a decision from lawyer Gavin Marshall when the inquest reconvenes this morning.

Inquest counsel, John Orr, said the discovery of this evidence demonstrates the ‘unique strength’ of the inquest system.  “Through careful, thorough questioning of witnesses under oath at the inquest, it became evident that this new information, previously not disclosed to the BC Coroners Service, existed and would be essential to the process.”

Orr said the overarching goal of an inquest is to ensure all relevant evidence is explored to give the jury the opportunity to make the best possible recommendations.