B.C. Mountie loses job over sexual misconduct toward female colleagues at Christmas party (December 29, 2025): An RCMP officer in British Columbia was ordered to resign or be dismissed after the conduct board found he sexually assaulted a female colleague and made inappropriate sexual comments to another during a work-related Christmas party. The board concluded his actions were a serious breach of trust and authority, emphasizing the RCMP’s commitment to eliminating sexual violence within its ranks. The officer was never criminally charged but faced internal disciplinary measures. Source link → CTV News

Brockville teacher charged with sexual assault of student (December 29, 2025): A Brockville, Ontario teacher faces multiple charges, including sexual assault and exploitation, for alleged incidents involving a male student between 2008 and 2011. The Upper Canada District School Board confirmed the teacher was removed from duties and emphasized student safety as its top priority. Police believe there may be additional victims and are seeking information. Source link → CBC News

Halifax man sentenced for sexually abusing friends’ four-year-old daughter (December 29, 2025): A Halifax man received a 4.5-year prison sentence for sexually abusing his friends’ young daughter while babysitting in 2023. The judge condemned the crime as a severe breach of trust and emphasized the need for deterrence and denunciation in sentencing. The offender will also face long-term restrictions, including sex offender registration and prohibitions on contact with children. Source link → Saltwire

Windsor police officer charged with sexual assault (December 30, 2025): A Windsor Police Service officer has been charged with two counts of sexual assault related to off-duty incidents. The officer, who has served for six years, is suspended with pay pending the judicial process. Police have pledged transparency and accountability as the investigation continues. Source link → CBC News

Violinist undeterred by Vancouver orchestra’s legal threat over sexual assault claim (December 30, 2025): Former Vancouver Symphony Orchestra violinist Esther Hwang says she will not be silenced after receiving a cease-and-desist letter for breaking an NDA to speak about an alleged sexual assault by a senior musician. Hwang argues NDAs are being misused to silence victims and has received widespread public support, including a petition with over 11,000 signatures. The orchestra maintains it cannot unilaterally void the agreement. Source link → CTV News

Canada-wide warrant for sex offender who failed to return to Vancouver halfway house (December 31, 2025): Police issued a Canada-wide warrant for Dean Robert Merrick, a convicted sex offender who failed to return to a Vancouver halfway house. Merrick previously served 18 years for violent sexual offences and was under a long-term supervision order. Authorities warn he poses a risk and urge anyone with information to call 911. Source link → CBC News

Cape Breton man charged with sexual assaults back behind bars for alleged Christmas Day threats (January 1, 2026): A Cape Breton man facing multiple sexual assault and violence charges was arrested again for allegedly violating release conditions and making threats on Christmas Day. He had previously been charged with 19 offences involving the same female victim, including sexual assault and forcible confinement. The Crown is seeking to revoke his bail. Source link → Saltwire

Toronto police make sexual assault and confinement arrest in city’s west end (January 1, 2026): A 32-year-old man faces more than a dozen charges after allegedly sexually assaulting and confining three victims during a series of attacks on New Year’s Eve. Police believe there may be additional victims and are continuing their investigation. Source link → CBC News

New Year’s sexual assault being investigated by Jasper police (January 2, 2026): Police in Jasper, Alberta, are investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The victim did not know her attacker, who is described as possibly Hispanic and left behind a baseball cap at the scene. Authorities are seeking security footage to aid the investigation. Source link → CTV News

Police investigate New Year’s Day sex assault at Barrie motel (January 3, 2026): Barrie police are investigating a sexual assault reported at a local motel shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. Few details have been released, but authorities say there is no risk to public safety. The investigation is ongoing. Source link → CTV News

Domestic Violence and Systemic Failures

IIO probes role of police in death of B.C. mother allegedly killed by her husband (December 29, 2025): B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating whether RCMP actions or omissions contributed to the death of Pamela Jarvis, allegedly killed by her husband days after she reported threats. Advocates say the case highlights systemic failures in protecting women from intimate partner violence. The tragedy has renewed calls for improved risk assessments and safe housing options. Source link → CTV News

Advocacy and Positive Developments

Owen Sound police commit to recruiting, retaining and advancing women (December 30, 2025): The Owen Sound Police Service has signed the 30 Forward Pledge, a Canadian initiative to increase women’s representation in policing and address systemic barriers to advancement. Currently, 24% of sworn officers are women, and the service aims to boost recruitment while maintaining standards. Research shows women officers are trusted more by survivors and use less force, improving community safety. Source link → The Sun Times

Ottawa’s ‘Trusty Thrifter’ uses her passion to support women’s education (December 31, 2025): Teresa McCrory turned her love of thrifting into a fundraising initiative for the Canadian Federation of University Women Nepean Scholarship Trust. The trust provides scholarships for women in STEM and Indigenous students, addressing gender gaps in technical fields. McCrory has raised over $1,200 so far, helping expand educational opportunities for women. Source link → Ottawa Citizen

Trail hospital adds 24/7 sexual assault forensic care in 2025 (January 2, 2026): Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital launched a 24-hour Sexual Assault Forensic Examination program, ensuring victims can access immediate medical and forensic care. The program allows evidence collection without requiring an immediate police report, giving survivors time to decide. Health officials say the initiative fills a critical gap and aligns with provincial standards for sexual assault response. Source link → Trail Times