Crime

Suspended Physician David Edward-Ooi Poon Faces 28 New Criminal Charges Including Sexual Offences Against Minors

Suspended doctor David Edward-Ooi Poon faces 71 total charges, including new allegations of sexual assault and crimes against minors across three provinces.

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Escalating Legal Battle for Multi-Province Physician

David Edward-Ooi Poon, a suspended physician who previously held public health and psychotherapy roles across three Canadian provinces, is facing a significant escalation in criminal charges. Authorities in Toronto announced 28 new counts on Tuesday, bringing the total number of criminal charges against the doctor to 71. The new allegations span more than 15 years, tracing back to 2009 when Poon was a medical student at the University of Alberta. The scope of the investigation now covers alleged offences in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, involving at least 13 newly identified victims.

Details of the New Allegations

The updated charge sheet includes a harrowing array of offences. Among the 28 new counts are seven counts of sexual assault, fifteen counts of voyeurism, and two counts related to the possession and access of child sexual abuse material. Most notably, the new charges include three counts of sexual interference involving the alleged sexual touching of three minors under the age of 16 during a single day in September 2024. Furthermore, police have documented a charge of mischief involving the willful interference with a woman’s clothing between 2022 and 2023.

Professional Ramifications and Regulatory Response

Despite the severity of the allegations, medical regulatory bodies in both Ontario and Saskatchewan have stated there is currently no evidence suggesting the crimes were committed within the context of his medical practice. Poon’s work in northern Saskatchewan was largely virtual, focusing on communicable diseases and mental health for Indigenous communities. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan has already suspended his license, with senior counsel Bryan Salte noting that a conviction could lead to a permanent revocation. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has similarly maintained his suspension while declining further comment due to confidentiality.

A Lengthy Legal Process Ahead

The investigation into Poon reportedly began after a tip from Google regarding suspected child sexual abuse material uploaded to a cloud storage account. Legal experts suggest the complexity of the case, given the number of victims and the geographic spread of the allegations, will result in a prolonged court process. David Butt, a former sex-crimes prosecutor, noted that if convicted, Poon could face a ‘dangerous offender’ designation, which carries the possibility of indeterminate custody. Poon remains in custody and is scheduled for a video court appearance in Toronto as the Crown continues to disclose evidence to his defense team.

Crime

Double Fatality After Late-Night Shooting in Brampton: Police Search for Suspects

Peel Regional Police are investigating a double homicide after two people were shot dead in Brampton near Rutherford Road and Weybridge Trail Friday night.

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Investigation Underway in Rutherford Road Neighbourhood

Residents in a quiet Brampton neighbourhood were shaken late Friday night after a shooting left two individuals dead. Peel Regional Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:23 p.m. in the vicinity of Rutherford Road and Weybridge Trail. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered two victims suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of Peel paramedics, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspects at Large Following Violent Incident

The suspect or suspects involved in the shooting fled the area immediately following the incident and remain at large. Authorities have not yet released descriptions of any potential suspects or vehicles involved. A heavy police presence remained at the scene throughout the night and into Saturday morning as forensic teams and homicide investigators worked to collect evidence and speak with potential witnesses. The identity of the victims has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.

Community Safety and Next Steps

This incident marks a violent start to the weekend in the Greater Toronto Area, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in suburban communities. Peel Regional Police have scheduled an official update for approximately 9:30 a.m. to provide more details on the progress of the investigation. In the meantime, officials are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting, or those with dashcam and surveillance footage, to come forward. Public cooperation is often vital in the early stages of a double homicide investigation to establish a timeline of events and identify those responsible.

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Crime

Calgary Man Faces Charges After Charging Through Fatal Crash Crime Scene on Stoney Trail

A 39-year-old Calgary man is charged with dangerous driving after allegedly speeding through a fatal crash investigation scene on Stoney Trail.

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Incident on Stoney Trail

Calgary police have laid serious charges against a 39-year-old local man following a series of events that disrupted a fatal crash investigation on Stoney Trail late Tuesday night. The initial collision, which occurred around 11:00 p.m. near McKnight Boulevard Northeast, resulted in a fatality and forced the closure of the southbound lanes for several hours as investigators worked to process the scene.

A Dangerous Breach of Safety

While officers were conducting their investigation at approximately 2:45 a.m., a second vehicle reportedly approached the barricaded area at a high rate of speed. Despite the visible police presence and established perimeters, the driver allegedly accelerated through the crime scene. This action not only posed a direct physical threat to the officers on-site but also risked the destruction of critical forensic evidence necessary for the ongoing fatality investigation.

Legal Consequences and Public Safety

The driver was quickly apprehended and his vehicle was seized by the Calgary Police Service. He now faces charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and obstructing a peace officer. Insp. Robbie Patterson of the CPS traffic unit emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that barricades are essential for protecting both the integrity of the investigation and the lives of emergency responders. The accused is currently scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not yet disclosed the cause of the original fatal collision that initially closed the thoroughfare for six hours. The Calgary Police Service continues to seek information regarding the initial crash and urges anyone with dashcam footage or witness accounts to contact investigators at 403-266-1234. As the legal process moves forward, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers first responders face when motorists ignore road closures.

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British Columbia

B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan Ousted From Caucus Following Serious Criminal Charges

B.C. Conservative MLA Hon Chan has been removed from caucus after being charged with assault by choking and uttering threats in a domestic violence case.

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Severe Allegations Lead to Immediate Removal

In a swift move that has shaken the British Columbia political landscape, Hon Chan, the B.C. Conservative MLA for Richmond Centre, has been removed from his party’s caucus. The decision follows the announcement of serious criminal charges against Chan, including assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed that the charges were laid following an investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred on January 12, 2024, in Richmond.

Special Prosecutor Appointed in Domestic Violence Case

The legal proceedings have been designated as a “K file,” a classification used by the B.C. Prosecution Service to indicate cases involving alleged intimate partner or domestic violence. To ensure transparency and avoid any perceived conflict of interest due to Chan’s status as an elected official, special prosecutor Andi MacKay was appointed to oversee the case. While the victim’s identity remains protected, the court has scheduled Chan’s first appearance for April 22 at the Richmond provincial court.

Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation

B.C. Conservative Party Leader Trevor Halford issued a statement confirming that the party only learned of the charges recently. “Mr. Chan informed me of serious criminal charges against him yesterday,” Halford stated, emphasizing that the party had no prior knowledge of the investigation. Halford reiterated that the caucus maintains a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence and holds public officials to the highest standards of accountability. However, the opposition has already begun to ramp up pressure. NDP MLA Grace Lore argued that caucus removal is insufficient, calling for Chan’s immediate resignation. Lore pointed out that Chan’s failure to disclose the ongoing investigation during his 2024 campaign represents a “fundamental violation of trust” with his constituents.

From Media to the Legislature

Before entering politics, Hon Chan was well-known in the Richmond community as a journalist with Fairchild Television. He made a successful transition to public office in October 2024, securing more than half the votes in Richmond Centre to defeat NDP incumbent Henry Yao. Until his removal, Chan served as the Conservative critic for climate solutions and climate readiness. As the legal process unfolds, the future of his seat in the legislature remains uncertain, marking a significant hurdle for the B.C. Conservative Party’s image.

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