Family members of a man who passed away following an altercation with security at a hospital in Saskatoon are questioning the narrative put forth by city police regarding an alleged imitation firearm in his room. Val Dubois, the mother of Trevor Dubois, expressed a desire for clarity on the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. Trevor, 36, was undergoing treatment for brain cancer at Royal University Hospital, as per his family.
According to Saskatoon police, they were summoned to the hospital early Friday morning after reports of a man’s demise. Investigators revealed that hospital security intervened in response to reports of a firearm in a patient’s room. A physical confrontation ensued during the attempt to restrain the individual, leading to his unresponsiveness and subsequent death, as stated in a police news release.
Subsequent to the incident, law enforcement discovered an imitation firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. The family of Trevor Dubois claimed they were taken aback by the release of information without prior consultation, contesting the portrayal of an imitation firearm, suggesting it was a distinctive pink cigarette holder and lighter.
Saskatoon police declined to provide a photo of the alleged imitation firearm, citing an ongoing investigation. They acknowledged the family’s concerns and pledged to provide updates as warranted. At a news conference, family members, accompanied by representatives from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, expressed their anguish over the lack of information surrounding the events leading to Trevor’s death.
Ryan Dubois, Trevor’s older brother, described him as a compassionate individual and urged patience for investigative processes. While questioning the security staff’s preparedness in hospitals, he emphasized the importance of preventing violence rather than resorting to harm. Trevor, who was of Metis descent and a member of the Muskoday First Nation, was remembered by family as a generous and vibrant person who supported Indigenous youth dealing with mental health challenges in northern Saskatchewan.
The family sought transparency regarding the circumstances preceding the altercation, believing Trevor’s passing could have been avoided. Marc Arcand, Tribal Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, criticized the healthcare system for systemic racism against Indigenous people, deeming Trevor’s death a grave injustice. He called for Indigenous oversight of institutions like hospitals to address such issues.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority declared Trevor Dubois’s death a critical incident, triggering an internal review process and initiating a use-of-force evaluation of the security officer involved. The officer has been suspended pending the outcome of the review and a related labor investigation. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill extended condolences to the family and pledged collaboration with Chief Arcand on the matter. Discussions on facility safety and addressing current challenges within the healthcare system are ongoing.
Recent incidents in Saskatchewan healthcare facilities, such as the banning of security guards for mistreating an Indigenous man in Prince Albert and a security threat at St. Paul’s Hospital, have prompted calls for improved safety measures. Initiatives like employing artificial intelligence for weapon detection at Royal University Hospital and developing emergency plans for hospital safety have been proposed by various stakeholders.