Nunavut coroner also investigating death of baby in Gjoa Haven

Nunavut's coroner has confirmed that she's conducting an independent investigation into how a baby died on the morning of July 4 in Gjoa Haven.

This investigation will be independent from the one being undertaken by the ministry of health, which reported the death as a "critical incident," — a term it applies to any unintended or unexpected event that occurs when a patient receives treatment that "results in death, or serious disability, injury or harm," and does not result primarily from the patient's medical condition or known risks involved. 

• Nunavut investigating after baby dies in Gjoa Haven

"It is the protocol of Nunavut Coroners Service that all deaths of a person five years of age and below must be sent for autopsy to determine the cause of death," reads a media release.

According to the coroner's office, the investigation is taking place under Section 8 subsection 1 of the Nunavut Coroners Act.

That section notes that the public has a duty to notify the coroner or police of any deaths that occur in Nunavut that may have been the result of "violence, accident, apparent negligence, misconduct or malpractice."

Or if the death "occurs suddenly and unexpectedly when the deceased was in apparent good health."