Snowbirds pilot headed for trial amid sexual assault accusations
Accused of sexual assault, former Canadian Forces Snowbirds pilot Maj. Steven Hurlbut appears headed for trial.
Wednesday morning trial dates were supposed to be put on the record in the Barrie courthouse when a representative for Hurlbut's lawyer, Karl Toews, expressed concerns about the defence counsel's availability before the proposed late August trial dates.
The defence also noted it was not willing to waive Section 11(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects an accused person's liberty, security and the right to a fair trial in a reasonable timeframe.
Criminal cases in the Ontario Court of Justice are expected to be completed within 15 months under the recently introduced Jordan-compliant trial scheduling direction.
The 48-year-old Hurlbut from Alberta, who's been a pilot for more than 30 years, was charged with sexual assault against another member of the military last June around the time the Snowbirds took flight for their annual Barrie Airshow.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged Hurlbut about a week after the military said its investigation began into alleged sexual misconduct. The charge, however, is now being handled in civilian criminal court in Barrie and not within the military system.
A publication ban protects the complainant's identity.
Before the charges, Hurlbut had been a member of the Snowbirds for two years, served as a lecturer at Royal Military College, and was a fighter pilot on 36 combat missions in Syria and Iraq starting in 2014.
Hurlbut, also known on the aerial acrobatics team as Stu, was flying lead solo in the number nine jet when the Department of National Defence said, after the Barrie Airshow, Hurlbut had been removed from the team and reassigned. At the same time, the Snowbirds performed with eight aircraft.
On Thursday, the Department of National Defence confirmed to CTV News Hurlbut is no longer a member of the Snowbirds and is currently employed with 4 Operations Support Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta.
The matter returns in a virtual courtroom next week to address the defence's concerns.
The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
South Korea's parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order
South Korea's parliament on Saturday impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his stunning and short-lived martial law decree, a move that ended days of political paralysis but set up an intense debate over Yoon's fate, as jubilant crowds roared to celebrate another defiant moment in the country's resilient democracy.
Premier Moe calls on Trudeau to denounce export taxes as retaliation option against Trump
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly say that export taxes will not be used as a retaliatory measure should U.S. president-elect Donald Trump impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports, arguing that there are 'other ways for us to have an impact.'
Shoppers raise complaints after being charged twice for Walmart purchases
A Saskatchewan shopper is out more than $200 after being charged twice for her grocery purchase at a Regina Walmart.
Labour minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
Canada Post workers began their strike four weeks ago, halting mail and package deliveries across the country. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he hopes work will resume as early as next week.
'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child
In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl.
Skier who went missing at Sun Peaks Resort found dead
In a tragic turn of events, the 68-year-old man who went missing while skiing at Sun Peaks Resort earlier this week has been found dead, the RCMP confirmed Friday.
Canada's homicide rate down in most provinces, with 2 exceptions
The homicide rate is declining in Canada, and the country's three largest cities all saw double-digit percentage decreases in homicides per capita, according to data released this week.
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Here are the Canadian cities where snow has been a sure thing
With fewer than two weeks remaining until Christmas Day, weather forecasts and snowfall projections are starting to take shape but have yet to be finalized for cities across Canada.
Kitchener
-
School warns parents of possible scarlet fever case in Waterloo, Ont.
There are new concerns surrounding a highly contagious infection after a suspected case of scarlet fever was reported at a school in Waterloo, Ont.
-
This little piggy went to the humane society
The Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society has an unusual animal up for adoption after it was found wandering the streets.
-
Good growing season for Christmas trees but climate change concerns remain
Christmas tree farmers in southern Ontario say they’ve had a good growing season, but they remain concerned about the future of the industry.
London
-
CTV News London’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
-
Lumber mill levelled by mid-morning blaze
A lumber mill is in ruins following a fire east of Wingham, Ont.
-
'Where are we supposed to go?': Emotional reaction to Ford government’s hard line on encampments
There was no shortage of reaction to Premier Doug Ford’s plan to take a hard line on homeless encampments and public drug use.
Windsor
-
CTV News Windsor’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
-
11 dogs dead, 8 more under Animal Welfare care following canine parvovirus outbreak in Windsor
Ontario's Animal Welfare Service is investigating a deadly outbreak of canine parvovirus after several dogs became ill earlier this month.
-
Fed up resident displays warning bordering on vigilantism
Pelissier Street resident Alex felt he needed to get attention about his concerns over downtown “drug users and thieves.”
Northern Ontario
-
Outpouring of support for woman shot at northern Ont. bank
There has been an outpouring of support for a woman who was shot at a northern Ontario bank on Thursday.
-
One dead after single vehicle rollover in northern Ontario
A 65-year-old man from northern Ontario has died after a single-vehicle rollover Thursday evening near Temiskaming Shores.
-
Buckingham Palace maid arrested after drunken brawl at work Christmas party
Buckingham Palace is investigating after a member of staff was arrested at the end of a rowdy Christmas party.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Outpouring of support for woman shot at northern Ont. bank
There has been an outpouring of support for a woman who was shot at a northern Ontario bank on Thursday.
-
'A lot at stake': Fedeli says Canada needs to unite against Trump’s tariffs threat
Returning from a trip to the U.S. capital, Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade says Canada must unite against looming tariff threats that could be imposed by President-elect Donald Trump.
-
Elliot Lake fire crews continue to battle massive apartment fire
Fire crews continue to battle an apartment building fire on Hirshhorn Avenue in Elliot Lake. Damage is extensive.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Here's how to elevate the bow trend this holiday season
Bows and ribbons are the trend this holiday season, whether on Christmas trees or clothing items, an Ottawa expert says.
-
Ontario Premier standing firm on retaliatory measures to Trump tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will use every tool at his disposal to manage the threat of tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
Toronto
-
Holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' for some Ontario retailers
Some small businesses in Ontario think the upcoming holiday tax break is a 'pain in the butt' that could potentially cause issues before and after the policy is over.
-
'We can’t search forever:' Drug shortage leaves Ontario family scrambling to find epilepsy medication
For months, Rebecca Roland and her family have been scouring the province for pharmacies that carry her father’s epilepsy medication.
-
Man charged with using explosives in fire that caused $3 million in damage to Mississauga building
A man has been charged with using explosives in connection with a fire in Mississauga that caused $3 million in damage to a building housing high-end vehicles on Sunday.
Montreal
-
Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness, add shelter spaces
Ottawa and Quebec announced an agreement Friday to help unhoused Quebecers as homeless encampments continue to multiply in the province and frigid weather sets in.
-
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
-
Lawyers in Quebec class actions seek $906M in fees for work in landmark tobacco case
Lawyers representing tens of thousands of Quebecers in two class-action lawsuits against three major tobacco manufacturers will seek to receive more than $900 million in fees for their work in the landmark case that has spanned decades.
Atlantic
-
P.E.I. RCMP looking for man who reportedly jumped from Confederation Bridge
Multiple police and search and rescue teams are looking for a man who reportedly jumped from the Confederation Bridge Friday morning.
-
Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit
The Roman Catholic Church in southwestern Nova Scotia has filed a lawsuit against two non-profit groups trying to save a historic deconsecrated Acadian church.
-
Man charged with manslaughter in death of missing Cape Breton man
A man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a man in Cape Breton this past summer.
Winnipeg
-
'Should be a concern': The Boyd Building put on the endangered list
A Winnipeg building is on the endangered list.
-
'It's crunch time': Businesses opting to hand deliver orders amid Canada Post strike
Even if the Canada Post strike were to end today, it wouldn’t be enough to salvage the holiday season for local businesses, according to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
-
Putting the pieces together: Avid puzzlers share their passion for the hobby
Whether it’s working solo, taking part in competitions or hosting exchanges, Manitobans with a passion for puzzles say the hobby is a perfect fit.
Calgary
-
Widow of pedestrian hit and killed on Elbow Drive supports crosswalk changes
The wife of a Calgary man killed while crossing the road in a marked intersection is pushing for flashing lights to be installed.
-
Alberta's new CTrain Green Line plan includes elevated downtown tracks, more stops
The province has released a “reimagined” plan for the Green Line CTrain track that it says is longer and less expensive than what the City of Calgary had planned.
-
Woman dies after being struck by vehicle in crosswalk in N.E. Calgary
A woman in her late 50s is dead after she was struck by a vehicle in Calgary's northeast on Friday evening.
Edmonton
-
Baby found in south Edmonton parking lot died before birth
The baby found in a south Edmonton parking lot last weekend died before birth.
-
Killing in central Edmonton was domestic violence incident: police
One person is facing murder charges in connection with a death in central Edmonton last weekend.
-
'Help them along the way': Widow says MAID program working as province explores adding limitations, increasing oversight
The Government of Alberta is exploring the idea of introducing limitations and provincial oversight to medical assistance in death.
Regina
-
Concern for mandatory neck guards after Churchbridge player faces near fatal accident
Discussions on neck guards being mandatory for hockey players has come to light after a recent senior hockey player in east-central Saskatchewan experienced a near fatal accident.
-
'Lifeblood of this campus': University non-profits face uncertainty following students' union proposal
The future of three non-profit organizations at the University of Regina (U of R) is uncertain following a proposal by the students’ union (URSU).
-
Five Sask. players named to 2025 Canada's World Junior squad
Five Saskatchewan connections have been named to Canada’s U20 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship roster.
Saskatoon
-
'Little girl deserves justice': Gallery erupts in anger as charges stayed against driver who killed child
In a tense courtroom, a judge stayed the charge against a Saskatoon woman who hit and killed a nine-year-old girl.
-
'What are we doing today?': STC Chief wants immediate action on homelessness
A day after city council voted to commit more than $5 million to address homeless shelter and encampment concerns, Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand says current plans fall short of what’s needed.
-
Concern for mandatory neck guards after Churchbridge player faces near fatal accident
Discussions on neck guards being mandatory for hockey players has come to light after a recent senior hockey player in east-central Saskatchewan experienced a near fatal accident.
Vancouver
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
-
'I feel like I belong': Why TV legend Mike McCardell finally decided to become a Canadian citizen
Retired award-winning broadcaster Mike McCardell was among nearly 70 people taking the oath of Canadian Citizenship in downtown Vancouver Friday.
-
B.C. pharmacist who dispensed 28,400 naloxone doses to single person fined, suspended
A Vancouver pharmacist has been suspended six months, ordered to pay a $20,000 fine and directed to take remedial courses after admitting to misconduct in a consent order agreement with his professional college.
Vancouver Island
-
Are bigger, better vessels coming to BC Ferries? Why critics are questioning the proposal
BC Ferries is taking a step forward in its plan to build five new vessels, but critics say the proposal could be steering the province into troubled waters.
-
Strong winds and high tides could bring storm surge to coastal B.C., forecaster says
Environment Canada is warning of a storm surge on British Columbia's south coast that could reach a metre high.
-
'We are not just going to sit around': B.C. businesses adjust as they wait for Canada Post deal
Over the four-week work stoppage, small businesses across British Columbia have taken a financial hit.
