Review of overdose death in Brandon city manager home released

Manitoba's Justice Minister says a hospital is updating its policies after misinterpretations caused issues in the investigation of a Brandon Police Board member.

In July of 2019, a 30-year-old woman named Christine Mitchell was living in the home of then-city manager Rod Sage in Brandon when she overdosed on purple heroin. Mitchell was brought to the hospital, where she later died.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the family on their loss," Justice Minster Cameron Friesen says in a statement.

Sage was placed on paid administrative leave in October. He then retired four months later in February, despite having not completed his five-year term.

During the time of her death, Sage was on the Brandon Police Board as a non-voting member. Around the same time, Sage was played on leave, RCMP Manitoba was called to investigate.

"The RCMP has finished the review and have found that Brandon Police Service conducted an appropriate and professional investigation in relation to Mitchell’s death."

The months-long delay between the death being reported to the police and the Office of the Medical Examiner was a topic of concern for RCMP. Friesen says they have determined this is because of a misinterpretation of the Fatality Inquiries Act by the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Now, the policies have changed to reflect the Fatality Inquiries Act requirements at the health centre.