The BC Coroners Service has postponed the public inquest into the deaths of four members of a Prince Rupert family due to ongoing labour action by the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the Professional Employees Association (PEA).
Originally scheduled to begin on October 6, 2025, the inquest will now start on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Burnaby Coroners’ Court, located on the 20th floor of Metrotower II at Metrotown.
The inquest focuses on the deaths of Janet Nguyen (35), Christopher Duong (38), and their children Alexander (4) and Harlan Duong (2), which were reported by Prince Rupert RCMP on June 13, 2023.
Presided over by Coroner Larry Marzinzik, the inquest is not intended to assign blame. Instead, the jury will hear witness testimony to determine the facts and may offer recommendations to help prevent similar deaths in the future.
The inquest will be open to the public and livestreamed. However, strict rules apply: recording, broadcasting, and publishing proceedings are prohibited, including on social media. Only Supreme Court–accredited media may record for note-taking purposes, and accreditation must be visible at all times.
Inquests play an important role in transparency and public safety, particularly when deaths may have broader implications or reveal dangerous practices.
The BC Coroners Service has thanked the public for its patience and understanding during this period of disruption.
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