Prince Edward Island has amended its Coroners Act Regulations to update the remuneration payable to coroners, anatomical pathologists, forensic pathologists and witnesses involved in inquests. EC2026-898 replaces several existing payment provisions and introduces a separate fee structure for forensic pathology services.

The amendment establishes that a coroner’s general remuneration for performing duties under the Coroners Act will be equivalent to the hourly rate payable to a Focused Family Medicine Specialist under the Physician Services Agreement between the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island, the provincial government and Health PEI that is in effect when the service is provided. This links coroner compensation directly to the applicable physician services agreement rather than establishing a separate fixed hourly amount in the regulations.

Additional fixed payments apply to specific coroner duties. A coroner receives $275 for arranging a post-mortem examination and interpreting its results. Preparing and submitting a Form 7 or Form 11 report attracts $100, while preparing and submitting a Form 5 or Form 6 report attracts $50. A coroner providing 24-hour on-call coverage receives $400 per day in Prince County and $400 per day in both Kings County and Queens County. The identical daily rate means the amendment establishes a uniform provincial payment for this type of coverage.

The regulations also revise compensation for anatomical pathologists. A routine anatomical post-mortem examination is compensated at a fixed fee of $1,800, while a partial anatomical post-mortem examination attracts $1,000. Professional time spent attending court and giving evidence at an inquest is compensated at $250 per hour. In addition, facility expenses for technical fees associated with an anatomical post-mortem examination are set at $712 per examination.

A new section specifically addresses forensic pathologists, creating a separate compensation framework. For preparing and reporting the results of a forensic post-mortem examination involving a deceased person in a homicide, the fixed fee is $3,000. A routine forensic post-mortem examination is compensated at $1,800. Professional time spent attending a death scene or attending court and giving evidence at an inquest is paid at $250 per hour. Mileage, tolls and meals associated with attendance at a death scene or in court are payable at cost.

Finally, the rules governing witness travel allowances are replaced. A witness attending an inquest will receive a travel allowance according to the provincial government rate established under the Treasury Board Policy and Procedures Manual. This replaces the previous provision with a reference to the government’s current applicable travel rate.

Prince Edward Island (898/2026) September 29, 2026
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