Close X
Friday, November 1, 2024
ADVT 
National

Indigenous leader Ed John pleads not guilty to historic sex charges

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Jul, 2020 10:29 PM
  • Indigenous leader Ed John pleads not guilty to historic sex charges

An Indigenous leader and former British Columbia cabinet minister has pleaded not guilty to sex charges dating back more than 40 years.

The plea was entered on behalf of Ed John, a former leader of the First Nations Summit, in Prince George provincial court on Wednesday in response to four counts of having sexual intercourse with a female without her consent.

The charges against the 71-year-old relate to incidents alleged to have occurred in the Prince George area between May and September 1974 involving one person.

John's lawyer entered the plea by telephone on behalf of his client, who did not appear in court.

The case is scheduled to return to court on July 16 to fix a date for a preliminary hearing.

John, who is also a hereditary chief of the Tl'azt'en Nation near Fort St. James, completed an eleventh consecutive term as a leader of the First Nations Summit political executive last year but did not run again.

He served in former New Democrat premier Ujjal Dosanjh's cabinet as minister of children and families from November 2000 to June 2001.

John is a graduate of the law school at the University of British Columbia and holds an honorary degree from the University of Northern B.C..

He was appointed as a special adviser on Indigenous children in care in 2015 by former B.C. Liberal premier Christy Clark.

Photo courtesy of Istock 

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver Police safely apprehend violent man at South Vancouver gas station

Vancouver Police safely apprehend violent man at South Vancouver gas station
Vancouver Police safely apprehended a man under the Mental Health Act who was acting aggressively at a Chevron Gas Station near Main Street and 41st Avenue on Sunday night.

Vancouver Police safely apprehend violent man at South Vancouver gas station

Bollywood Outsiders' Heartfelt Plea to People Suffering From Depression

Bollywood Outsiders' Heartfelt Plea to People Suffering From Depression
"Depression is not a Joke, and there is nothing to be ashamed about - Talk to someone, Get help!" said #Bollywood Superstar Akshay Kumar.

Bollywood Outsiders' Heartfelt Plea to People Suffering From Depression

16-day suspension for B.C. police in domestic violence case inadequate: OPCC

16-day suspension for B.C. police in domestic violence case inadequate: OPCC
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner of British Columbia is calling for a review of a 16-day suspension for a police officer in Abbotsford, B.C., saying it doesn't reflect the seriousness of the domestic violence case.

16-day suspension for B.C. police in domestic violence case inadequate: OPCC

Vancouver, Victoria school trustees vote to review police school liaison program

Vancouver, Victoria school trustees vote to review police school liaison program
School boards in Vancouver and Victoria are reviewing the use of police liaison officers but have rejected motions to suspend the programs while the reviews are underway.

Vancouver, Victoria school trustees vote to review police school liaison program

Court approves new hearing schedule for Meng, case adjourned until Aug. 17

Court approves new hearing schedule for Meng, case adjourned until Aug. 17
The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a schedule for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's extradition case that would see hearings run into next year.

Court approves new hearing schedule for Meng, case adjourned until Aug. 17

Feds prepared to push back against any new U.S. tariffs on aluminum, Duclos says

Feds prepared to push back against any new U.S. tariffs on aluminum, Duclos says
The federal government will make the case to the Trump administration that Canadian aluminum is no threat to the American market, as the mercurial president reportedly prepares to slap on tariffs anew.

Feds prepared to push back against any new U.S. tariffs on aluminum, Duclos says