Laliberte inquest concludes without recommendations
A coroner’s jury examining the circumstances surrounding the 2021 death of Saul Laliberte in Prince Albert police custody concluded its inquest without making any recommendations.
Coroner Fred Kovach said it is not unusual for an inquest jury to conclude without recommendations, noting that sweeping changes have already been made within the police service.
The six-member jury recorded Laliberte’s cause of death as undetermined. The inquest heard evidence about the combination of the prescription antidepressant bupropion, commonly sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, and crystal methamphetamine that Laliberte had taken before his death.
Bupropion can cause side effects including dry mouth, dizziness and agitation. In high doses, it can also increase the risk of seizures. Laliberte had experienced several of these symptoms before his death, video evidence from inside the police car and his cell showed.


