Inquiry into Calgary care worker’s death calls for provincial legislative reforms
Global News
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents front-line care workers across Alberta, strongly advocated for the report, published Thursday.
An inquiry into the tragic stabbing death of Calgary care worker Deborah Onwu five years ago has led to calls for sweeping legislative reforms at the provincial level.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents front-line care workers across Alberta, strongly advocated for the report, published Thursday.
“Deborah Onwu didn’t need to die that night,” said CUPE Alberta President Raj Uppal. “If she had the full history of the client’s behaviour, if she had a co-worker, if there were other precautions taken, she might still be here.”
The inquiry made four key recommendations, all pointing to urgent legislative changes that CUPE says could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The report also outlines details of the frightening sequence of events that led up to the stabbing death of Deborah Onwu in October 2019.
“I share this as a tribute to Debbie, but also as a reminder that even the most skilled workers are at risk without safe workplaces, legislation and protective policies. Tragedies do happen,” said Wael Elrafih, CUPE Local 4731 president.
Deborah Onwu had been working at Woods Homes Community Care Facility in northeast Calgary the night her convicted killer, 18-year-old Brandon Newman, returned to the program, reportedly “high as a kite”.
A downstairs co-worker rushed to help after hearing a “loud commotion” and then heard Onwu screaming, “Why are you doing this to me?”
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