Re: Séana St. Jean, 2026 CanLII 10956

Ontario Review Board

Re: Séana St. Jean

ORB File No: 8360

Hearing held on: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Place of Hearing: Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code

Before:

Alternate Chairperson: Mr. P. Hageraats

Members: Dr. W. Komer

Dr. R. Cormier

Ms. M. Labrosse

Mr. A. Bouvier

Parties Appearing:

Accused: Séana St. Jean

Counsel: Mr. D. Roy

Person in charge of hospital: Representative: Dr. A. Alabi

Attorney-General of Ontario: Counsel: Mr. L. Welch and

Ms. M. Dufort

REASONS FOR DISPOSITION

(Dated January 28, 2026)

Introduction

1. Ms. Séana St. Jean appeared in Court on charges of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault causing bodily harm (x2), utter threat to cause death or bodily harm (x2), and resisting or obstructing a public or peace officer. These are offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.

2. The Court received expert psychiatric evidence establishing that Ms. St. Jean was suffering from a severe mental disorder when she committed the offences. On July 26, 2023, the Court ruled Ms. St. Jean was not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (“NCR”).

3. Ms. St. Jean is currently subject to a disposition of the Ontario Review Board (“ORB” or “the Board”) dated November 12, 2024. Ms. St. Jean was discharged, subject to conditions. She is required to abstain absolutely from the non-medical use of alcohol or drugs or any other intoxicant, including cannabis products. Ms. St. Jean must submit samples of her urine and/or breath to the hospital to determine whether she has been using alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant, including cannabis products.

4. Ms. St. Jean is prohibited from contact or communication with her mother or father - unless with their written revocable consent and with the consent of the clinical team. She is required to report to the hospital “not less than once per week”.

5. On November 18, 2025, Ms. St. Jean appeared before a Review Board panel at the ROMHC for her annual review. She was represented by counsel, Mr. Dominique Roy. Other persons were there to observe, including Ms. St. Jean’s parents and two members of the hospital treatment team - Ms. E. Welch, a worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association (“CMHA”) and the hospital social worker, Ms. K. Myllymaki.

6. At the hearing, the Board received direct testimony from Ms. St. Jean’s attending forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Adedayo Alabi. Further evidence was provided by way of documents. These include the cumulative hospital report dated November 1, 2025, along with two victim impact statements, each dated October 28, 2025, from the parents.

7. The issues to be considered by the Boad are whether Ms. St. Jean represents a significant threat to the safety of the public, and if so, to determine the necessary and appropriate disposition.

Positions of the Parties

8. When the hearing opened, the parties advised that significant threat was not in issue. They also recommended that, to manage Ms. St. Jean’s risk, she should continue to be discharged while subject to conditions.

9. Dr. Alabi suggested that the frequency of reporting be reduced from weekly to monthly. He also recommended removal of condition 1(c), i.e., the requirement to provide urine and-or breath drug screen (“UDS”) samples.

10. As is explained below, the Board decided to discharge Ms. St. Jean. Her reporting frequency was reduced to not less than once per month. The requirement to submit UDS samples was maintained. The condition to abstain from substances including cannabis was deleted.

Current Psychiatric Diagnosis – Hospital Report, at p. 57

• Schizophrenia, currently in remission

· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, inattentive type

· Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - OCD

· Cannabis Use Disorder

· Alcohol Use Disorder

11. Ms. St. Jean is treated with psychiatric medication:

• Invega IM 150MG Q28D

• Wellbutrin 300 mg XR daily

• Sertraline 75 mg daily

Index Offence

12. The Hospital Report provides a synopsis of the index offence, extracted as follows:

On November 30, 2022, Deborah St. Jean became concerned when her daughter, the accused, came downstairs to the living room and made aggressive ramblings, stating she wanted to kill her and "cut her head off" (Utter threats 264(1)(a) CC). The accused then went back upstairs to her bedroom.

A short time later, the accused returned with a sword. She held it toward Deborah approximately 3-4 feet away and began threatening and thrusting the sword toward Deborah. (assault w/a weapon C.C. 267(1)) (possess a dangerous weapon 88(1) C.C.)

Deborah backed away into another room screaming when the father, Leo St. Jean, jumped in to wrestle the accused to get the sword away. The two fell down in the living room and were wrestling for the sword. Deborah was panicked and screaming for the accused to stop and get away. Leo was trying to get the sword away from the accused and shouted to call police.

Leo got the sword away. He hid it under the sofa while the accused's focus returned to Deborah. She attacked her mother, clawing at her face and trying to gouge out her eyes. (assault cause bodily harm 267(b)C.C.)

When Deborah went out to the front yard to speak with police on the phone and wait for their arrival, the accused returned to the back yard after Leo. She knocked him to the ground, clawing at him and attempted to access the eyes, as she tried to gouge his eyes. (assault cause bodily harm 267(b) C.C.). She questioned over 30 times the whereabouts of the sword. She told her father, she would kill him (threats 264(1)(a) C.C.).

Deborah received the following injuries: scratches to her face and arms and a black eye. Leo was bleeding from the face with scratches on his face, head and arms and a black eye.

Much of the incident was audio recorded by Deborah.

Police officer Chipman arrived and saw Leo bleeding from the face. When the officer tried to arrest the accused, she screamed and fought him (resist peace officer 129(1).

Once a second officer arrived on scene, they were able to arrest the accused. She was read her rights to counsel, and caution, secondary caution and 524 warning. She was transported to the hospital under the Mental Health Act.

Personal Background and Psychiatric History

13. Ms. St. Jean is 35 and single, with no children. When a teenager, she was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (“OCD”). She left school in Grade 11. She has had no criminal court involvement apart from the index offence.

14. Information from Ms. St. Jean’s parents suggested she had been drinking alcohol before the index offence arose.

15. When cannabis became legal, she began using it by means of a vaporizer cartridge. In the period leading up to November 30, 2022, she was consuming daily.

16. Before November 2022, Ms. St. Jean had earlier psychiatric admissions to hospitals. In August 2019, she was admitted to Health Sciences North following an incident where she was throwing food, force-feeding her father, and making threats of suicide. The family reported that she had been dealing with voices in her head for some time.

17. Later in 2019, Ms. St. Jean was involuntarily admitted to the Ottawa Hospital, where she was kept from September 23 until November 23, having first presented with auditory hallucinations, paranoia, and isolation. Her urine drug screen was positive for cannabis. She was started on Aripiprazole in both oral and long-acting injectable forms. Discharged on a community treatment order, she was referred to the First Episode Psychosis Clinic.

18. At last year’s ORB hearing held on October 16, 2024, Ms. St. Jean remained incapable to consent to treatment for Schizophrenia. Her parents acted as substitute decision-makers. Ms. St. Jean has since regained her legal ability to consent to treatment.

19. The reporting period ending in October 2024 saw Ms. St. Jean live in a rented apartment which the hospital had approved. During that time, she experienced some stress relating to roommates. In May 2024, she wanted to explore new accommodation but ultimately elected to remain where she was once the issues with roommates resolved.

20. Ms. St. Jean continued to experience psychiatric symptoms in the year leading up to October 2024. These included over-valued beliefs, disorganized thinking, and auditory hallucinations. She was treated with long-acting injectable psychiatric medication, Paliperidone. She believed her illness was limited to OCD and that she did not have Schizophrenia.

21. Nevertheless, Ms. St. Jean agreed to comply with prescribed injectable medication. In October 2024, she told Dr. Strike she would continue with medication because she had no reason to stop. She also said she would stay on the injectable “… for her parents.”

22. On November 29, 2023, Ms. St. Jean underwent a neuropsychological assessment. She had high T scores on the CAARS-S: L. This can indicate symptoms consistent with ADHD.

23. In November 2023, Ms. St. Jean started employment at a pet store, which she held for most of the year. They later offered her a supervisor position, which she declined.

24. In the spring of 2024, Ms. St. Jean graduated from high school. She expressed a goal to attend further studies at Algonquin College in the Veterinary and Technician Program. Ms. St. Jean also cooperated with rehabilitative programming provided by the hospital.

25. Ms. St. Jean tried to hide her ongoing use of cannabis. On one occasion, she provided a false urine sample which she had purchased on-line, intending to fool the hospital. Ultimately, she expressed willingness to stop using cannabis.

26. At last year’s ORB hearing, Dr. Strike testified that Ms. St. Jean had been off work at the pet store on short-term medical leave. She had suffered a severe allergic reaction resulting in hives and much inflammation. An appointment with an allergist was scheduled.

27. Dr. Strike noted that Ms. St. Jean was engaging well with her treatment team. Ms. St. Jean was described as wanting to be involved in her parents’ lives. She appreciates how she benefits from their involvement. This was part of her reason for agreeing to remain on long-acting injectable medication.

28. Ms. St. Jean was reportedly able to understand that the injection keeps her mentally stable and lets her remain involved with her parents.

29. Ms. St. Jean continued to believe she can use ‘medical’ cannabis. However, wanting to follow the rules, she decided to abstain. From February to October 2024, urine drug screens were negative.

30. In October 2024, Dr. Strike testified to the Board that there is no conceivable way Ms. St. Jean can safely consume cannabis, unless at a THC content of zero.

31. Despite lacking insight, Ms. St. Jean was also described as believing that she had experienced psychosis and could again experience psychosis when under stress.

32. Still, Ms. St. Jean would not accept her diagnosis of Schizophrenia.

33. In granting Ms. St. Jean a conditional discharge last year, the Board noted Ms. St. Jean was benefitting from excellent family support. She included her parents in all case conferences with the treatment team. She had a healthy therapeutic alliance with her CMHA worker, forensic social worker, and psychiatrist. She was accepting of all supports offered by the treatment team and would seek help when needed. She was described as motivated to follow the rules which can move her steadily forward in her recovery and reintegration into the community.

Course in Treatment, October 2024 to November 2025

34. Ms. St. Jean has remained in the community without needing hospitalization. She has kept up her involvement with the hospital treatment team, including with the case manager, Ms. Myllymaki and the CMHA worker in a combined program of collaborative forensic care. Her parents remain supportive. They attend all outpatient appointments apart from times when they may be out of town travelling.

35. In November and December 2024, Ms. St. Jean reported worsening symptoms of her underlying OCD. She recognized various stressors. Sertraline medication was started in December 2024. A referral was made for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT for OCD).

36. In February 2025, Ms. St. Jean underwent a change of her attending psychiatrist from Dr. Strike to Dr. Alabi. In that same month, she moved to a new apartment and managed the transition well. There was an improvement to OCD symptoms. She continued to be in remission of psychosis. There was no evidence of aggression or irritability to others, including to her parents.

37. On March 18, 2025, concerns arose. These are described in the hospital report at p. 58. At one point, Ms. St. Jean reported having paid money for what she termed was ‘Hypnotherapy for ongoing OCD.’ She was advised to be careful with such therapy. The treatment team did not support this as it was not being provided by a regulated psychology source.

38. Ms. St. Jean was offered an increased dose of her injectable medication, Invega Sustenna, going from every 28 days to every 21 days. This was based on observations that she was struggling close to the 20-day mark. Ms. St. Jean was hesitant with the recommendation.

39. When seen in May 2025, Ms. St. Jean’s compliance with oral medication was fluctuating, as it had been for some time. She claimed she needed to skip medication due to feeling nauseous. It was hoped that starting psychotherapy for OCD and regular use of Sertraline would stabilize the OCD symptoms.

40. In August and September 2025, Ms. St. Jean presented in stable mental condition. The OCD had improved after she completed therapy sessions. At times, she missed taking one of the oral medications, Sertraline. She continued to abstain from cannabis use.

41. On September 30, 2025, Ms. St. Jean reported that her injectable medication was causing sleep apnea. This was the first time she had ever made such a report. Upon further examination and discussion, Ms. St. Jean was told that further sleep studies would be required and that a sleep disturbance does not necessarily mean she suffers from sleep apnea. Ms. St. Jean advised she would discuss this with her family doctor.

42. On October 16, 2025, Ms. St. Jean’s parents told the case manager that Ms. St. Jean wanted to get off anti-psychotic medications because of sleep apnea. Instead, she was contemplating an oral antipsychotic that does not cause sleep apnea.

43. At the same time, Ms. St. Jean had expressed interest in obtaining an absolute discharge from the ORB. Her parents were concerned that if granted an absolute discharge, Ms. St. Jean would possibly discontinue all medication.

44. They also worried she was blaming her weight gain on antipsychotic medication when in fact her weight gain had occurred at an earlier time when she was in a psychotic state, was using cannabis and was eating lots of food. The parents were concerned that Ms. St. Jean was merely stating what the treatment care team wanted to hear and that in fact her motivation was returning to what had been seen in the past when she eventually became non-compliant with medication.

45. In testifying before the Board at the hearing, Dr. Alabi stated: if Ms. St. Jean were to discontinue medications, this could lead to an increase in psychotic symptoms. She has now had additional behavioural therapy. She has found it much more beneficial and effective. Dr. Alabi added, the combination of medication and psychological treatment has been most effective. Earlier symptoms observed before she began behavioural therapy for OCD have greatly ameliorated.

46. Dr. Alabi further testified that Ms. St. Jean’s view about injectable Invega Sustenna is a “live issue.” She does not want to change the dose frequency. The team is keeping a close eye on this. If she demonstrates more irritability when she gets closer to the 28 day-due date for medication, they will consider making changes. Dr. Alabi noted that Ms. St. Jean’s parents are very helpful at keeping them informed.

47. Dr. Alabi stated that Ms. St. Jean would stop medication if she were given the chance. Right now, she takes it despite her misgivings.

48. Dr. Alabi described a separate concern regarding Ms. St. Jean’s insight into the dangers of cannabis use. In her case, cannabis is linked to a decompensation, just as it was at the time of the index offence. Dr. Alabi added that, if Ms. St. Jean had more funds available, she would likely purchase cannabis.

49. When asked to explain why the hospital was recommending removal of the UDS sample requirement, Dr. Alabi explained that Ms. St. Jean has otherwise done well this past year. The treatment team would like to see if she can continue to abstain and manage her illness while under less stringent external controls.

50. Dr. Alabi explained that the treatment team will still see Ms. St. Jean with the same frequency. This will include weekly contact with the CMHA worker. Additional phone calls will be part of their monitoring.

51. Dr. Alabi responded to questions posed by the parties and Board members. Since last year’s hearing, Ms. St. Jean’s insight to her diagnosis has shown overall improvement. She says she will continue the Invega injection. She is definite when expressing her positive views favoring cannabis. Dr. Alabi described her as genuine in letting the treatment team know how she feels about things. Ms. St. Jean is forthright, even when she does not necessarily agree with the hospital’s recommendations

52. Dr. Alabi wants to keep a close eye on Ms. St. Jean on the various issues of concern, including what would be a more appropriate frequency for her to receive injectable medication. Dr. Alabi acknowledged that Ms. St. Jean is likely to reach out to the treatment team for support when needed.

53. A question was asked about “ambivalence to treatment” and the possibility of “impression management.” Dr. Alabi responded that insight is a work in progress: Ms. St. Jean knows she has a diagnosis. She knows that, if she stops medication, she will experience decompensation. However, Ms. St. Jean also says she does not want to take oral medication.

54. Ms. St. Jean has not told Dr. Alabi she will not take injectable medication. This contrasts with her recently having told her parents that she did not want to take the injectable medication. As Dr. Alabi summarized, the issue remains regarding Ms. St. Jean’s views about long-term treatment.

55. The parties presented no further evidence.

Submissions of the Parties

56. Speaking for the hospital, Dr. Alabi stated that Ms. St. Jean has had a good year. She has been engaging with the team. She accepts recommendations put to her. The hospital proposes that her reporting frequency be reduced and that the formal requirement for UDS testing be dropped. This will help the hospital better understand Ms. St. Jean’s commitment to long-term treatment. They will keep an eye on her compliance for as long as her psychosis stays in remission and, hopefully, while she continues to abstain from cannabis use.

57. On behalf of the Attorney-General, Ms. Dufort was mostly in agreement with the hospital recommendation. Regarding the UDS requirement, counsel advised it would be preferrable to delete the condition requiring abstention. Instead, the testing requirement should remain in place.

58. On behalf of his client, Mr. Roy also agreed with most of the recommendations put forward. Regarding the testing requirement, Mr. Roy stated that Ms. St. Jean finds it onerous to come into the hospital for random testing. He told the Board Ms. St. Jean would agree to provide voluntary samples once a month.

Conclusions and Disposition

59. Based on the evidence and supported by the appropriate joint submission of all three parties, the Board had no difficulty coming to the unanimous conclusion that. Ms. Séana St. Jean continues to present a significant threat to the safety of the public.

60. Considerations noted by the Board last year continue to apply. Although Ms. St. Jean shows continuing stability, she still struggles with insight into her Schizophrenia. The dangerously violent index offence is recent. Ms. St. Jean also lacks insight into the negative impact of cannabis which was another major risk factor in late 2022.

61. The Board carefully reviewed the victim impact statements supplied by Ms. St. Jean’s parents. The Board agrees with the parents when they declare that ensuring she stays well is of paramount importance. Clinical information provided in the victim impact statement about Ms. St. Jean’s ambivalence to medication is concerning. This is reinforced by Dr. Alabi’s independent observations. From the victim impact statements, we note as follows:

Séana has expressed concerns about a couple that live in her building that look through her window and point and laugh at her. Is this paranoia? It is concerning to us.

Most importantly is her desire to change antipsychotic medication due to evidence from Health Canada that it can cause sleep apnea. She wants to go on an oral antipsychotic that does not cause sleep apnea, but she doesn’t know the name of it. We feel this is the start of a slippery slope to not being medication compliant. We have over 50 vials of unused medication from her from 2020/2021 when she stopped taking her medication but had us fill her prescriptions as if she was. We saw her mental health deteriorate during that time ending with the index offense. Going to oral medication should not be done after being given an absolute discharge, in our opinion. In any case, we do not support oral medication. She is doing very well on the monthly injections.

Lastly, this is the person who submitted fake urine to avoid having THC detected while on her detention order. We understand her wanting to have control over her life and we support her in this for positive and healthy endeavours but not for actions that are detrimental to her well being.

62. Regarding the recommendations to modify certain discharge conditions, the Board feels it appropriate to reduce the formal requirement of minimal reporting from weekly reporting to monthly. Ms. St. Jean will still be closely followed by Dr. Alabi, along with other members of the treatment team in collaboration with her CMHA worker.

63. It is to the credit of Ms. St. Jean and her parents that they all attach high value to the ongoing family relationship. Obviously, they care for each other and want to continue collaborating in a meaningful way with each other and with the treatment team. This is a source of strength and reassurance for all concerned. It also contributes to keeping Ms. St. Jean well and members of the public safe.

64. Ms. St. Jean understands that the treatment team and her parents are keeping a close eye on things. The Board accepts that Ms. St. Jean will present herself to assigned mental health professionals if she is asked should she start to experience difficulties or require more support.

65. On the issue of substances, the Board feels it more appropriate to maintain the requirement that Ms. St. Jean submit random samples for UDS testing. In our view, her stated commitment to abstain from substances, including cannabis, does not yet appear to be strong. Ms. St. Jean clearly states her opposing view that cannabis is neither harmful nor risky, just as she expresses a preference to reduce her compliance with oral medication.

66. The Board agrees with the position stated by Crown counsel that better and more immediate information will come forward if the requirement for random testing is maintained. In the same vein, we conclude that removing the formal prohibition from consuming substances, including cannabis, will give Ms. St. Jean the opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to abstinence. It is the hope of all concerned that as she continues to abstain, she will come to better appreciate the benefits of avoiding all further use of problematic substances, including cannabis specifically.

67. For these reasons, considering the primary need to keep the public safe, while balancing Ms. St. Jean’s mental condition, her reintegration, and other needs, she is ordered to be discharged under conditions. Precise wording of the modified conditions will be found in the accompanying Disposition.

68. We thank Dr. Alabi, the team members and both counsel for their assistance.

69. We wish Ms. St. Jean and her parents well as they continue their collaborative efforts with Dr. Alabi and the treatment team members.

DATED this 28th day of January 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.

Mr. P. Hageraats Alternate Chairperson

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Office of the Registrar

Ontario Review Board