Manitoba: Doctor convicted of sexually harassing patients

A Manitoba doctor is currently awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of sexually abusing several patients over a period of years.

On Thursday, Dr. Arcel Bissonnette returned to the Court of King’s Bench in Manitoba to be sentenced for the sexual assault of seven former patients.

The court heard that the sexual assaults took place during medical appointments and physical examinations while the 64-year-old doctor was working at Ste. Anne Hospital and Seine Medical Centre in Ste. Anne.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, while the court found him guilty of five additional counts of sexual assault in November 2023.

The prosecution asked the court for a prison sentence of 18 years, the defense for a prison sentence of 9 years.

On Thursday morning, the court heard statements from several of Bissonnette’s victims – all of them former patients. A publication ban protects the identities of these victims.

The sentencing hearing will continue on Thursday afternoon.

There’s more to come.