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Psychiatrist: Only asked to determine if Phoenix's mother was depressed

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 11/19/2012 9:32 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 11/19/2012 1:10 PM | Updates

Phoenix Sinclair (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

The psychiatrist who assessed Phoenix Sinclair's mother for Winnipeg Child and Family Services says he was never asked to check her ability to parent.

Dr. Gary Altman told the inquiry into the little girl's death that he was only asked to determine if Samantha Kematch was depressed. He met with her for less than an hour and determined she wasn't depressed.

Altman said he wasn't given any files that showed her troubled teen years that may have influenced his assessment. His job was to consult with CFS workers and provide them with information they requested. He said Kematch didn't show any psychotic or other behaviour to indicate she'd murder Phoenix in five years, he told the inquiry. The public inquiry continues this afternoon.

History

Updated on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 9:45 AM CST: Added CIL player.

1:10 PM: Updates from mornings testimony.

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