Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has appointed an acting chief coroners as the hiring process continues.

John McNamee is in the temporary role while the B.C. Public Service conducts a merit-based hiring process for a permanent chief coroner.

McNamee has served as the chief legal officer for the BC Coroners Service since 2017. He has managed the legal services and inquest unit, as well as provided supervision, legal advice and training to coroner service staff and the chief coroner, the release notes.

Lisa Lapointe鈥檚 final day as chief coroner is Feb. 18 after 13 years in the role. She spent nearly three decades in public service roles.

Lapointe first announced her retirement in December 2023, and her final public event in the role was Jan. 24 when she confirmed 2023 was the worst year for fatal toxic drug poisonings.

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鈥淥n behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I want to express our sincere thanks for Lisa Lapointe鈥檚 dedicated service as chief coroner for the past 13 years and her remarkable 30-year commitment to the B.C. Public Service. Her leadership and contributions have been invaluable to our province,鈥� Farnworth said.