Dr. MacLeod

The accused pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of assault with a weapon arising from three separate stabbing incidents that occurred on October 31-November 1, 2018, in Waterloo.

The incidents involved unprovoked attacks on three victims using a knife, with one victim suffering life-threatening injuries.

The court imposed a sentence of 42 months concurrent, reduced to 17 months after credit for 501 days of pre-trial custody on an enhanced basis.

The sentence was further subject to a three-year probation order with conditions including counselling, employment requirements, and a 20-year weapons prohibition.

The complainant, who has seasonal allergies, applied to be a firefighter with the City of Ottawa.

His application was rejected three times on medical grounds despite evidence from his own allergist and the City's consulting specialists that his condition was mild and would not impede his ability to perform the duties of a firefighter.

The Board of Inquiry found that the City discriminated against the complainant because of a handicap, acting recklessly by ignoring expert medical advice.

The Board ordered the City to pay special and general damages, to allow the complainant to complete the physical testing, and to offer him employment if successful.