Snowbirds pilot charged with sexual assault
CBC
Military police investigators charged a Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot with sexual assault Saturday, following an investigation into allegations that another member of the military had been the victim of sexual misconduct.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, the investigative unit of the Canadian Forces Military Police, charged Maj. Steven Hurlbut following an investigation into allegations that sexual misconduct occurred in Barrie, Ont.
The investigative branch assumed responsibility for the case on June 14, based on the case's circumstances and applying a "victim centric approach," says a news release issued by the Department of National Defence on Monday.
The Snowbirds, the air demonstration squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, were in Barrie just over a week ago, before travelling to New Brunswick for shows.
One of the pilots was suddenly reassigned to non-operational duties ahead of a performance in Moncton, N.B., last weekend due to sexual misconduct allegations, according to a statement from two air force commanders issued by the Department of National Defence on Saturday.
The victim was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the statement said.
The accused was reassigned to 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Sask., where the Snowbirds are based.
The matter will now go through the civilian justice system, the Department of National Defence said Monday. The department says no further information will be available.
The military judicial system can try members that breach the code of service discipline, as detailed in the National Defence Act. But the civilian judicial system prosecutes a series of offences involving military members, including murder, manslaughter and sexual assault.
The Criminal Code of Canada states that someone convicted of sexual assault is either guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to a prison sentence up to 10 years, or an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment up to 18 months.
The maximum sentences increase if the complainant is younger than 16 years old.
Summary offences are less serious than indictable offences, according to the Department of Justice's website. The person charged is usually not arrested, unless they are found committing the crime. They're given a notice to appear in court, but they can be represented by their lawyer or "an agent" unless the judge asks the accused to appear.
Someone charged with an indictable offence is arrested by police, assuming there are "reasonable grounds" to believe the accused committed the crime, the website says. They must appear in court.
Hurlbut, originally from Calgary, has been involved in the military for decades, including flying as a fighter pilot in Iraq and Syria. He joined the Snowbirds in 2021.
Many P.E.I. businesses and services will be closed on New Year's Day, after being open for reduced hours on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Say what you will about Alberta politics, they are seldom boring — at least, not these days.
An orange-crowned warbler was spotted during Hamilton’s annual Christmas bird survey, a “rarity” for birdwatchers, organizers say.
Residents across Windsor-Essex will have several free options to ring in 2026, with outdoor skating parties, fireworks celebrations and more planned for Dec. 31.
With transit fares on the rise in a number of Canadian cities, some experts say it’s time to rethink how we fund public transportation.
WARNING: This story contains references to missing and murdered Indigenous people. Resources can be found at the bottom of this story.
A law mandating new requirements for job postings by companies of over 25 people will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2026 in Ontario.
New rules set to come into effect in 2026 mean many Ontario homeowners and landlords will have to add carbon monoxide alarms to their New Year's to-do list.
Bryce Leitch and his son Quinton were playing video games in their south London home’s basement on Sunday night when the 9-year-old suddenly said he heard a “weird noise” coming from upstairs.
U.S. authorities have released more details on dozens of high-end motorcycles believed to belong to Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian athlete now accused of running an international drug ring.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says 36-year-old Scott King, has been arrested following a shooting on Monday inside a home in Corner Brook.
Five Nova Scotians, including a popular musician and a former premier, have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia for 2025.
The Maritimes suffered through intense drought conditions this summer that left farmers with lower crop yields and, in some cases. feeling already set back as they look ahead to the coming year.