Current state of sexual assault law post R. v. McLeod, et al., 2025 ONSC 4319 (the Hockey Canada Trial)
Presented by the CBA Alberta Women Lawyers' Forum (North) Section
This session examines the evolving landscape of sexual assault law in Canada in the wake of R. v. McLeod, et al., 2025 ONSC 4319. Featuring defense lawyer Nicole Stewart and Crown prosecutor John Schmidt, both seasoned evidence instructors at the University of Alberta, the session will unpack the court’s assessment of credibility and reliability in the high-profile case involving members of the Canadian World Junior Hockey Team, where the Crown did not meet its burden of proof. Our presenters will discuss what the decision says about consent, participation, and evidentiary standards, and explore how it is already shaping trial strategy, complainant and accused rights, and future prosecutions.
PRESENTERS
Nicole Stewart (Lawyer, Pringle Law)
John Schmidt (Crown Prosecutor)
MEETING DETAILS
| Date: |
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Time: |
12:00 Noon (MT) |
| Location: |
CBA Alberta Edmonton office
1501, Rice Howard Place, Tower 2 | 10060 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton |
Participant Disclaimer
Due to rising food costs, we cannot accommodate drop-in attendees. If you have not registered for the in-person event by the RSVP deadline indicated above and would still like to attend the event, you are welcome to register by webcast or watch the recording on demand once it is available.
All materials related to this event are for the sole use of the registrant, and may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.
Cancellations made no later than 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund. On-demand or non-subscribers who confirm and do not attend will still be charged the registration fee. Section subscriptions are non-transferrable, nor are substitutions permitted at meetings. You must be a current national CBA member to attend.
