‘Other families shouldn’t have to go through this’: Quebec inquest examines deadly truck crashes

Quebec has launched a public inquest into road fatalities involving heavy trucks.

An 85-year-old woman killed when her car was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in L’Ange-Gardien last summer is at the centre of a Quebec coroner’s inquest into truck-related tragedies, and her children hope it will bring answers.

Madeline Darby Boulais’s son Brian attended the hearings this week.

“I have no preconceived judgment on that right now. I’m going in with an open mind, and I believe they are as well. So hopefully we’ll hope for the best,” he told CTV News.

His brother Danny said the family is still grieving, but hopes their mother’s death leads to change.

“This will hopefully show certain rules for us to follow as a society, so that other families don’t have to go through what we went through,” he said.

The inquest, led by coroner Dave Kimpton, is also focusing on a second tragedy – a pile-up on Highway 30 near Boucherville last fall that killed Tanya Lalonde, 34, and her five-year-old son Elliot. The driver of the 18-wheeler involved allegedly said he was distracted. No criminal charges have been laid.

Trucking industry stakeholders say there are significant legal and regulatory gaps that allow unqualified drivers onto the road.

“We’ve heard so many stories about illegal permits. Some are not skilled. Some were given false diplomas from schools. I think this is a time to listen and to take notes, but to start thinking about future legislation,” said Marc Cadieux of the Quebec Trucking Association.

Adding to the confusion, Quebec’s roadside inspection agency is currently limited to examining trucks at weigh stations, while collision investigations fall to police. Experts say roadside inspectors, who receive specialized training, should be taking the lead, but an ongoing jurisdiction dispute between inspectors and the Sûreté du Québec has put many of their responsibilities on hold.

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“For years, we’ve demanded tougher rules. All we can do is issue tickets. We think we should have the power to take a truck off the road if necessary,” said Jean-Claude Daignault, who represents the union of road controllers.

The inquest is expected to take place over several months. Accident victims and industry stakeholders alike are hoping the findings will lead to meaningful changes on Quebec roads.