Frank Paul death inquiry to resume

An inquiry commission in B.C. is preparing to resume work as it examines the 1998 death of a drunk man who froze to death after being dumped in a Vancouver alley.

The Davies Commission Inquiry into the Death of Frank Paul held a procedural hearing in Vancouver on Tuesday to consider new hearing dates.

Retired judge William Davies wrapped up the inquiry in March 2009 with a 446-page report that was harshly critical of Vancouver police in Paul's death on Dec. 6, 1998.

But the inquiry also ended without hearing from three former Crown lawyers — who are now judges — and Davies vowed to reconvene the inquiry if the courts ruled the three should defend their decision not to charge any of the officers involved.

In April, the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear an appeal against the order to testify, clearing the way for the former Crown prosecutors to explain their actions in handling the case of the 48-year-old Mi'kmaq from New Brunswick.

No evidence is slated to be heard on Tuesday.