Canada
First Indo-Canadian, Dr. Jatinder (Taj) Baidwan Appointed as Chief Coroner of B.C.. The B.C. government has appointed Dr. Jatinder (Taj) Baidwan as the new chief coroner of the B.C. Coroners Service, marking a historic milestone as the first Indo-Canadian to hold this prestigious position. Baidwan brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a distinguished background as a health-system leader, physician, and educator, both in Canada and internationally.
As chief coroner, Dr. Baidwan is committed to enhancing the role of the B.C. Coroners Service by providing crucial data to better inform policymakers. His goal is to prevent future deaths and improve safety for residents across British Columbia. Appointed under the Coroners Act by the lieutenant-governor in council upon the recommendation of the solicitor general, the position of chief coroner is judicially independent with respect to its statutory functions.
Dr. Baidwan is a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and is accredited by the Canadian College of Family Physicians. Since joining the B.C. Coroners Service in 2017 as chief medical officer, he has played a pivotal role in realigning the organization’s operations and establishing a comprehensive postmortem diagnostic services network throughout the province.
In his seven-and-a-half-year tenure, Baidwan has led investigations into significant public health crises, including the 2021 heat dome and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership in these areas has contributed to vital recommendations aimed at mitigating future risks and enhancing public safety.
Before his current role, Dr. Baidwan served as the executive vice-president and chief medical officer for Vancouver Island Health Authority, now known as Island Health. During this time, he co-managed operations and was responsible for delivering comprehensive health care to nearly one million residents of Vancouver Island.
Dr. Baidwan’s appointment as chief coroner reflects his extensive experience and dedication to improving public health outcomes. His leadership is expected to continue driving forward the mission of the B.C. Coroners Service to protect and enhance the well-being of all British Columbians.
