Former Conservative MP, cabinet minister Chuck Strahl dies

OTTAWA – The judge overseeing the sexual assault trial of former vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson is reading his decision in an Ottawa court this morning.

Edmundson was the head of the military’s personnel in 2021 when he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman while they were deployed together back in 1991.

The trial was held in February, but the verdict has been delayed twice.

The complainant, Stephanie Viau, testified at trial that she was in the navy’s lowest rank at the time of the alleged assault and Edmundson was an officer.

Edmundson pleaded not guilty, and testified that he never had sexual contact with Viau.

He was one of several high-ranking military leaders accused of sexual misconduct in 2021, a scandal that led to an external report calling for sweeping changes to reform the culture of the Armed Forces.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2024

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

TORONTO – A 21-year-old man is dead after what police are describing as an “interaction” with officers during the execution of a search warrant in Toronto.

York Regional Police say their officers were executing a search warrant in the area of Evans Avenue and Sherway Gardens Road at approximately 5 a.m. Monday.

Police say officers had an “interaction” with a man.

They say a 21-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police say the man was pronounced dead there.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating.

The watchdog agency investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or discharge of a firearm at a person.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

The head of a group that helps homeless people in Saint John, N.B., says it is mourning the death of a 58-year-old man whose body was found in an encampment over the weekend.

Johanne McCullough of Street Team Saint John says John Surette was known for his kindness and for taking care of people around him.

The Saint John Police Force say Surette’s body was found in a tent near Paradise Row in the north end of the city Saturday morning.

Investigators say the circumstances of the death are not considered criminal in nature and an autopsy has been scheduled.

Surrette was found not far from where three people died last winter in two separate tent fires.

McCullough says the community will remember Surrette for his helpfulness and generosity.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.