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In The News – Week of January 12, 2026 – January 18, 2026

 

Shifting Sands Fundraiser Aims to Support P.E.I. Organizations Advancing Gender Equality (January 11, 2026): Shifting Sands is a United Way initiative designed to stabilize funding for gender‑equality organizations facing inconsistent grants. The $50,000 campaign aims to fund at least one organization for a full year. Leaders emphasize that predictable funding helps groups focus on frontline work rather than constant fundraising. Source link → CBC News

Indigenous Women Assemble in St. John’s for Annual Gathering and Reconciliation Council Meeting (January 16, 2026): Indigenous women gathered to discuss health, safety, housing, and cultural revitalization in their communities. Traditional ceremonies and the Journey Project supported healing‑focused dialogue. Leaders reviewed progress on recommendations addressing systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender‑diverse people. Source link → Government of NL

Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services Co‑Hosting Gala to Focus on Indigenous Survivors (January 17, 2026): A Toronto gala will celebrate Indigenous resilience through fashion, drumming, and storytelling. The event is rooted in the teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman and aims to promote culturally grounded healing from violence. Funds support Indigenous programming across multiple sexual‑assault service organizations. Source link → MuskokaRegion.com

Advocate for Women in Sailing Named to Order of Canada (January 16, 2026): Irene Y. McNeill, a leader in expanding women’s roles in sailing, has been appointed to the Order of Canada. She co‑founded the LEAP program to encourage girls to join the sport and became Canada’s first female international race officer. Her leadership has transformed race management and officiating opportunities for women.
Source link → CTV News

Author Janine O’Leary Cobb Empowered Women with Information About Menopause (January 15, 2026): Janine O’Leary Cobb revolutionized women’s health education with her menopause newsletter A Friend Indeed. Her work broke silence around menopause and empowered women with accessible, evidence‑based information. She died at age 92, leaving a feminist health legacy spanning decades. Source link → Globe and Mail

ONLINE GENDER‑BASED VIOLENCE & DIGITAL EXPLOITATION 

Sexual Deepfakes on X Show Need for Canadian Online Regulator, Advocates Say (January 13, 2026): Advocates warn that sexual deepfakes targeting women and minors highlight an urgent need for online safety regulation. Experts argue for a Canadian digital‑safety commission with takedown authority and enforcement powers. The government has not confirmed whether it will revive its shelved Online Harms Act. Source link → CBC News

Winnipeg Teen Arrested in Sextortion Case Involving Girl from Belgium (January 14, 2026): A 15‑year‑old Winnipeg boy coerced a Belgian teen into sending sexual images, then extorted her. Belgian police and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection worked with Winnipeg officers to intervene. The case underscores how cross‑border technologies facilitate sexual exploitation of girls. Source link → CBC News

POLICE WARRANTS, PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICES & ARREST ALERTS

Arrest Warrant Issued for Scott Deering (January 12, 2026): RCMP issued an arrest warrant for Scott Eric Deering, wanted for sexual assault, assault, and uttering threats. Police say he is evading arrest. They urge the public to report any sightings. Source link → RCMP

UPDATE – Arrest Warrant Issued for Roger Allingham (January 13, 2026): RCMP initially sought public assistance locating Roger Allingham, wanted for sexual assault, assault by choking, forcible confinement, and threats. He was later arrested. Police originally warned the community due to the severity of the allegations. Source link → RCMP

WORKPLACE & INSTITUTIONAL MISCONDUCT

Canada Post Shop Steward Convicted of Sexual Assault of Co‑Worker (January 12, 2026): A Canada Post shop steward was convicted after the court found he repeatedly groped a female colleague. The workplace was described as having longstanding issues with harassment and conflict. A sentencing hearing is expected in March. Source link → HR Reporter

Charges Approved for Hudson’s Hope Teacher Accused of Sexual Exploitation (January 14, 2026): A B.C. teacher was charged with sexual exploitation and sexual assault involving minors between 2021 and 2023. The school district states the teacher has been removed from all duties pending proceedings. A publication ban protects victims’ identities. Source link → CBC News

Longtime Orillia Youth Centre Employee Charged in Sexual Assault Investigation (January 14, 2026): A 15‑year employee of a youth centre was charged with sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and luring. The City confirmed he is no longer employed. Police believe more victims may come forward. Source link → CTV News

RCMP Seek Additional Victims in Langley Sexual‑Exploitation Investigation (January 15, 2026): A well‑known equestrian coach faces charges of sexual exploitation for offences dating to 2000–2003. Equestrian Canada previously issued a 10‑year ban after finding violations of its code. Investigators suspect more victims may exist. Source link → CTV News

JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT & ACCOUNTABILITY

Ontario Judge Found Guilty of Judicial Misconduct (January 16, 2026): A second ruling confirmed Currie engaged in non‑consensual sexual intercourse, physical assault, and obstructive attempts to influence the investigation. His testimony was deemed inconsistent and contradicted by other evidence. Sanction discussions resume February 4. Source link → CBC News

EDUCATION & YOUTH PROTECTION

Lawyer for P.E.I. Teacher Accused of Sex Crimes Asks Judge to Acquit Client (January 16, 2026): Teacher Roger M’Bahia faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference after a student alleged genital touching during class. His lawyer argues the evidence does not establish sexual intent. A ruling on the acquittal motion is expected in March. Source link → CBC News

POLITICAL FIGURES & PUBLIC OFFICE ACCOUNTABILITY

Maple Ridge Councillor Charged with 4 Counts of Sexual Assault (January 15, 2026): Councillor Ahmed Yousef faces four sexual‑assault charges involving two complainants, in addition to prior assault and firearm‑related charges. A special prosecutor was appointed to avoid conflict of interest. He remains on leave while the case proceeds. Source link → CBC News

INTIMATE‑PARTNER VIOLENCE & SURVIVOR TESTIMONY

Carleton Place Man Charged in Intimate Partner Violence Case (January 12, 2026): A 25‑year‑old man was charged with sexual assault and assault after an OPP investigation. His name was withheld to protect the victim. He has been released pending a future court date. Source link → Ottawa Citizen

Former Spouse of Canada’s Worst Mass Shooter Reveals Abuse in Exclusive Interview (January 14, 2026): Lisa Banfield shared details of years of coercive control, isolation, and physical violence inflicted by Gabriel Wortman. She described early charm followed by escalating paranoia and threats. Her forthcoming memoir expands on the abuse she endured. Source link → CTV News

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, LURING & EXPLOITATION

Yarmouth RCMP Charge Man with Sex Offences from the 1990s (January 12, 2026): A 69‑year‑old man was charged after police discovered Polaroids containing child sexual‑exploitation images. Allegations date back to 1995–2000. Investigators believe additional victims may exist. Source link → CBC News

Lethbridge Man Facing Sex Trafficking Charges After 3 Girls Found in Apartment (January 13, 2026): Police rescued three teens who reported being confined, assaulted, and forced to consume drugs. The accused, Skye Atoa, faces numerous trafficking charges. He was later re‑arrested for breaching bail conditions. Source link → CBC News

Gatineau Police Charge Ottawa Man with Sexual Assault; Other Victims Sought (January 15, 2026): A 27‑year‑old man allegedly contacted victims aged 15–18 through social media before meeting them in person. He faces charges including sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching. Police believe more victims may exist. Source link → CTV News

Man, 55, Charged with Sexually Exploiting Teen Girl in Winnipeg (January 14, 2026): Police say a teen was repeatedly assaulted, given drugs and alcohol, and once overdosed. The man now faces several charges including sexual interference and administering a noxious substance. Additional victims may come forward. Source link → CBC News

Woman Pleads Guilty to 3 Child Sexual‑Abuse Charges in Abbotsford (January 16, 2026): Siobhan Kirby pled guilty to creating child sexual‑abuse material, sexual exploitation, and luring. Ten additional charges may be stayed. Police previously issued a Canada‑wide warrant for her arrest. Source link → Campbell River Mirror

Convicted Sexual Abuser Sentenced for Trying to Lure Teen Online (January 16, 2026): Michael L’Enfant received four additional years in prison for online attempts to lure a teen girl. He was already serving time for multiple violent sexual assaults. He is now on the sex‑offender registry for life. Source link → CTV News

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