Family members sue Alberta government and company over 15-year-old's death in group home
CBC
Three family members are suing the Alberta government and a company that operates an Edmonton group home, alleging both failed to take steps to prevent the death of 15-year-old Noah Gitsel.
Gitsel died by suicide in May inside a group home in north Edmonton's Killarney neighbourhood.
In a recently updated statement of claim filed in Edmonton Court of King's Bench, Gitsel's parents and sister allege the province and Family Connections Inc. took no precautions to prevent that outcome, even though the teenager had a history of suicidal ideation.
Medical records obtained through freedom of information requests by Gitsel's mother, Chassie Falardeau, show the teenager had visited several emergency departments that spring.
While at the Stollery Children's Hospital's emergency department following a suicide attempt, Gitsel reported ongoing suicidal ideation and a desire for "constant monitoring."
In April, a psychologist had recommended Gitsel be placed on a psychiatric ward for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Falardeau was given a copy of the psychologist's report.
The family members' statement of claim says Falardeau communicated concerns about Gitsel's mental health and risk of suicide numerous times to the defendants, but they failed to heed the warnings.
They are seeking a judgment of $1 million, plus damages, costs and interest.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
The province denies that proper safeguards were not put in place, and in its statement of defence says the group home operator was in control of Gitsel's care and custody.
The province says in the document that Falardeau did not express concern about the teenager being at risk of harm while residing at the group home.
Family Connections Inc. has not yet filed a statement of defence and has not responded to a request for comment from CBC News.
A corporate registry search lists Jacqueline Dzioba, a registered social worker, as the company's director and primary agent for service.
Falardeau said Noah was an amazing, fearless boy who helped others and was full of energy.
A measles outbreak in New Brunswick and a surge of cases across Canada has renewed calls for a national vaccination registry.
Homeless encampments have become increasingly common in Montreal over the past five years, leading authorities to adopt a patchwork of approaches to monitor and address the problem, documents reveal.
Gift shop owner Lita Toms says her business in Lac du Bonnet is struggling, largely because local governments have failed to craft an effective tourism strategy.
As teachers continue to raise concerns about challenges in their classrooms, the Saskatchewan government has pledged to do better when it comes to education — including a plan to expand specialized support classrooms.
Three family members are suing the Alberta government and a company that operates an Edmonton group home, alleging both failed to take steps to prevent the death of 15-year-old Noah Gitsel.
This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
City staff are working on long-term plans to prevent toxic and smelly algae blooms at the Hamilton harbour – and short-term plans to mitigate blooms when they happen – but are cautioning residents that it's not the type of problem with a quick fix.
Another blockade of the Ambassador Bridge wouldn't play out like what happened in February 2022 — thanks to police being empowered to act faster and harder, according to a report that's going to Windsor city council next week.
On the first day of 2025, Alberta's default electricity rate is set to be replaced by the new "rate of last resort," in what the province says is a bid to protect consumers from a volatile electricity pricing landscape.
Canadians and Americans sit next to each other in the stands of a small Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., hockey arena to watch the Soo Thunderbirds face off against their cross-border rivals, Michigan's Soo Eagles.
A number of school bus routes in northwestern Ontario have been cancelled Wednesday after a dump of snow overnight in the region. A number of weather advisories also remain in effect in the region, including snow squall warnings in the Greenstone area.