Overview

• Raphaël 'Napa' André, a homeless Innu man, died of hypothermia in January 2021 near a closed Montreal shelter during COVID-19 curfews.
• Quebec Coroner Stéphanie Gamache released a report on May 15, 2025, detailing systemic gaps that contributed to André’s death.
• The report includes 23 recommendations, such as year-round emergency shelters, improved communication in the health network, and culturally sensitive support for Indigenous peoples.
• Gamache emphasized the need for integrating homeless populations into public health emergency protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
• The coroner urged the Quebec government to act on the recommendations to address homelessness and reduce social inequalities.