The inquest into the death of Brandon Schafer-Kovacs, who died in 2022, recently wrapped up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is on those recommendations that the jury hopes to prevent another similar tragedy from happening ever again. CTV News was on the scene, with Keenan Sorokan cutting straight to the action. The original op-ed featured opinion on these findings and intentions, written by Kelly Hayes and published on August 28th, 2025.
That Wednesday was deeply disappointing. It uncovered serious holes in the oversight of group homes across the region. The jury’s recommendations were designed to address the gaps in care and supervision that may have contributed to Schafer-Kovacs’ untimely death. The advocacy recommendations demand increased monitoring and stricter regulatory standards for facilities housing vulnerable people.
Brandon Schafer-Kovacs’ tragic death became a catalyst for change, exposing systemic issues with the group home system. The jury’s findings suggest that without significant changes, similar fatalities could occur again. CTV News writes about why it’s so critical to get these recommendations put in place. Moving quickly is essential to protect the safety and health of residents living in other communities like these.
Keenan Sorokan is a reporter for CTV News in Saskatoon. He provided a moving and detailed account of the inquest’s findings and emphasized the serious calls for reform that followed. Read the full article, including the jury’s recommendations. It includes a parallel photograph, which increases reader interaction with the topic.
While the inquest has been a long painful process, it is a powerful reminder of our ongoing need for accountability and transparency in group home operations. Real communities are still coming to terms with the ramifications of these findings. It’s time for stakeholders to act now and change the practices of oversight.
