Re: Clinton E. Morrison
ORB File No: 8599
Hearing held on: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Place of hearing: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. J. Weinstein
Members: Dr. K. Hand
Dr. J. C. Rose
Hon. E. Kruzick
Mr. R. Rainboth
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Clinton E. Morrison
Counsel: Mr. G. Labine
The Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Dr. E. Leinonen
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. A. Pollak
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated February 13, 2026)
Introduction
On July 25, 2024, Clinton E. Morrison, was found not criminally responsible (“NCR”) on account of mental disorder on charges of arson - damage to property, utter threat to cause death or bodily harm x 2, mischief under $5,000, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and resisting or obstructing public or peace officer, all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”).
By reason of a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board (“ORB” or “Board”) dated December 19, 2024, Mr. Morrison is detained at the Secure Forensic Unit of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (“TBRHSC” and “hospital”) with limited privileges that include to live in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
Mr. Morrison’s Annual Hearing, originally set for December 8, 2025, was adjourned to today’s date to accommodate Mr. Morrison’s retainer of counsel. As a result, on January 21, 2026, the ORB convened a hearing at TBHRSC pursuant to section 672.82(1) of the Criminal Code.
Mr. Morrison was present at the hearing and represented by counsel, Mr. Labine, Ms. Pollak appeared on behalf of the Attorney General of Ontario, and Dr. E. Leinonen appeared for the hospital.
Issues at the Hearing
- The issues at this hearing are whether Mr. Morrison continues to be a significant threat to the safety of the public, and if so, to determine the necessary and appropriate disposition in the circumstances.
Initial Positions
- At the outset of the hearing, the parties were asked to state their initial, without prejudice, positions. On behalf of the hospital, Dr. Leinonen took the position that Mr. Morrison is a significant threat to the safety of the public and the necessary and appropriate disposition is a Conditional Discharge with terms as set out in the Hospital Report. Ms. Pollak, for the Attorney General. indicated that she wanted to hear the evidence and that she expected to agree with the hospital. Mr. Labine, on behalf of Mr. Morrison, agreed with the position of the hospital.
Findings
- For reasons that follow, the Board finds that Mr. Morrison continues to be a significant threat to the safety of the public, and that the necessary and appropriate and least onerous and least restrictive disposition is a Conditional Discharge with terms as recommended by the hospital
Index Offences
- The index offences were well summarized at paras. 3-8 of last year’s Disposition and read as follows:
On Monday June 2023, at 7:04 p.m., the Thunder Bay Provincial Communications Centre (PCC) dispatched Treaty Three Police Service members to a break and enter in progress at Red Gut First Nation. Complainant ….. reported that Clinton Morrison was breaking into ….(a) residence and had used a bat to break a lock on the door. Clinton was described as wearing a green T-shirt. Treaty Three units were en route in priority. There was an update from PCC that Clinton Morrison had started a fire inside the residence. Clinton Morrison had a knife and axe with him. Clinton Morrison was swinging an axe at …….
Police updated that a search of Clinton Morrison’s police records did not reveal that he was subject any current warrants or conditions.
While entering the community, Constable Olson observed the residence of …… to be fully engulfed and the majority of the house already burnt. Red Gut First Nation Volunteer Fire Department was on scene.
At 7:35 p.m., Constable Olson, Constable. D McGinnis, and Constable Sharma arrived at B[…] Drive in Red Gut First Nation. O.P.P. Constable Denreyeer arrived on scene and advised that Clinton Morrison was inside the south side of the residence with an axe in his hand. Police kicked the south entry door, gaining access to the residence and notifying of police presence. Clinton Morrison was observed entering the bathroom and closing the door behind him. Constable Sharma kicked the door in, in an attempt to gain entry. Clinton Morrison swung the axe from a hole in the door, striking Constable Sharma in the left upper thigh and causing an approximate 12-inch gash. Police pulled out their service issued firearms, issuing the police challenge of, “Police, don’t move!” and notifying Clinton Morrison it was a gunpoint arrest. Clinton Morrison did not comply and remained in the bathroom. Constable D McGinnis assisted Constable Sharma with applying a tourniquet and transporting him to the Fort Frances Hospital in priority. Constable Olson and O.P.P. Constable Denreyer maintained position on the bathroom with firearms drawn. Entry was gained into the bathroom. Clinton Morrison was standing in the tub with the curtain closed. Police continued to give commands to Clinton Morrison to surrender himself, which he did not comply. Constable Olson was provided a boat paddle by a bystander which was used to pull the curtain open. Clinton Morrison was observed holding a black knife. Officers continued to issue the police challenge and order to drop the weapons. Clinton Morrison did not comply and closed the curtain. O.P.P. Constable Denreyer used the paddle to pull the curtain open and deployed his service issued C.E.W., issuing the taser command of, “Taser.” Clinton Morrison pulled the probes out and closed the curtain. O.P.P. Constable Denreyer pulled the curtains open again and deployed the second C.E.W. cartridge, but did not make contact. Clinton Morrison stood in the tub with the curtains open. Police continued to issue the police challenge and order for Clinton Morrison to drop the weapons, Clinton Morrison eventually dropped the axe and knife to the floor. Police took physical control of Clinton Morrison to effect an arrest, at which time he became actively resistant by pulling away and trying to get away from officers. Clinton Morrison was eventually handcuffed and lodged in a police unit.
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, during the Fort Frances Bail court at 12 p.m., Clinton Morrison was provided an opportunity to speak with Duty Counsel. Constable Don Copenace was contacted by Duty Counsel Samantha Campbell, who reported that she was threatened by Clinton Morrison. Constable Dan Copenace requested Duty Counsel speak with Detective Abigail Halverson.
On June 21, 2023, at 8:58 a.m., an audio statement was obtained from ……... The associate of the Ontario Legal Counsel provided information that on June 20, 2023, after 12 p.m., she spoke with Clinton Morrison. While speaking with Clinton Morrison, Clinton Morrison told his duty counsel lawyer that he was going to kill her and her entire family. ……. told police she was confused and asked him, “Do you mean me?” And Clinton Morrison told her, “You, ……. I’ll hunt you down when I get out.” Clinton Morrison continued to tell ….. that he was going to have all the time in the world to do it. …. told Clinton that, “This phone call is done,” then hung up. Clinton Morrison was arrested and read his rights to counsel for utter threats to cause death to …..
Current Diagnosis
- The current diagnoses as set out in the Hospital Report is as follows:
Bipolar I Disorder, currently euthymic
Alcohol Use Disorder, in remission
Social Anxiety Disorder
Background Information
Mr. Morrison’s background and personal history, including his mental health and substance use history, is set out in detail in the Hospital Report which was filed as an exhibit at the hearing. For that reason, the following is a summary.
Mr. Morrison was born in Fort Frances and raised on the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation with two older siblings. As a result of parental substance use, at age seven, Mr. Morrison and his siblings were apprehended by Weechi-it-te-win Family Services for approximately one year.
Records indicate that Mr. Morrison was physically and sexually abused during his time away from his parents. Mr. Morrison attended and did well at school.
At about the age of 17, Mr. Morrison’s behaviour became more withdrawn and isolated. He consumed alcohol excessively, appeared to be paranoid, and would exhibit random speech. It was reported that he would isolate in his bedroom, consuming alcohol in increasingly large amounts. This led to a conviction for impaired driving at age 28 following a motor vehicle accident. Throughout his late 30’s, Mr. Morrison had a further decline in overall functioning, appearing depressed and rarely leaving his bedroom. He continued to drink excessively with coworkers. He began experiencing auditory hallucinations.
In April of 2023, Mr. Morrison’s mother passed away. At this time, Mr. Morrison’s anger and aggression intensified. He continued to consume alcohol and was obviously experiencing auditory hallucinations. After breaking into a neighbour’s home in May of 2023 and demonstrating symptoms of psychosis, Mr. Morrison was admitted to the hospital and responded well to treatment. On discharge, his diagnosis was substance-induced psychosis. He briefly attended a residential treatment program in British Columbia until being discharged because of aggressive and threatening behaviour. The index offences occurred the day after his return to the community.
Mr. Morrison is described as intelligent with no learning difficulties. There is inconsistent documentation as to his level of academic achievement, with reference made to completing both grade 10 and grade 12. Mr. Morrison has been employed in the past as a heavy equipment operator and in construction. He is described as being a very hard worker. Following his arrest on the index offences, Mr. Morrison remained detained at the Fort Frances Jail until his transfer to TBRHSC on September 18, 2024, when a bed became available
Evidence
The hospital's evidence was presented by Dr. Leinonen. He is a co-author of the Hospital Report, dated November 21, 2025. Dr. Leinonen adopted the contents of the Hospital Report. He stated that there was no clinical update since the preparation of the report.
Dr. Leinonen testified that Mr. Morrison has had a good reporting year. Things have continued in the same positive fashion. There have been no aggressive behaviours, psychiatric destabilization, elopements, no signs of substance use, and Mr. Morrison has been compliant with his medications.
Mr. Morrison has been engaged with the team and pursuing pro-social activities including educational upgrading. It was the doctor’s understanding that Mr. Morrison is the only student in his program with a perfect attendance record.
Mr. Morrison has been living at Andras Court transitional housing since February 4, 2025. Andras Court is part of the hospital’s forensic program and provides 24/7 supervision. The hospital team is in search of independent housing in the City of Thunder Bay for Mr. Morrison. With the assistance of the Forensic Supportive Housing Program (FSHP), Mr. Morrison has viewed a couple of independent apartments but has not been successful in finding one that is suitable to his needs. Mr. Morrison understands that the process of locating housing may take a while.
Dr. Leinonen opined that he and the hospital team are of the view that, given Mr. Morrison’s improvement and his motivation, he could be managed with a Conditional Discharge and thereby continue on his current positive trajectory.
In a question from counsel for the Attorney General, Dr. Leinonen confirmed that Mr. Morrison has good insight into his illness. Dr. Leinonen also confirmed Mr. Morrison was fully compliant with his current medications including his compliance with anti-psychotic mood stabilizers administered every four weeks. Dr. Leinonen agreed that individuals on long-acting injectable medications have fewer destabilizations and fewer hospitalizations when compared to individuals on oral medication. Mr. Morrison is on oral medication for anxiety and insomnia. Given Mr. Morrison’s compliance with these medications this past year, the hospital team has no concerns about compliance.
When asked about Mr. Morrison’s housing, Dr. Leinonen testified that once Mr. Morrison’s new accommodations are secured, the treatment team then intends to move him slowly from the existing 24/7 supervision to some supervised housing and then, when Mr. Morrison is ready, to something closer to independent housing. The transitions will depend on Mr. Morrison’s stability, progress, and available housing.
Counsel asked Dr. Leinonen about Mr. Morrison’s ability to maintain contact with family and people in his home community. At present, Mr. Morrison’s contact is mostly by phone with his father and in-person visits when Mr. Morrison's father is in Thunder Bay. On a limited number of occasions, Mr. Morrison has also had phone contact with his brother.
Filed as an exhibit in these proceedings was a Gladue Report dated November 5, 2025. Counsel for the Attorney General referred to page 42 of the Report, where the author refers the ORB to indigenous mental health services for Mr. Morrison. Dr. Leinonen stated that Mr. Morrison is aware of the report and the counselling referred is, or could be made, available to Mr. Morrison should he wish to enroll. Dr. Leinonen stated that, long-term, Mr. Morrison would like to return to his home community, Red Gut First Nations. In terms of moving closer to home, Fort Frances may eventually be a transitional option for Mr. Morrison. At the present time, under the recommended Conditional Discharge Disposition, Dr. Leinonen opined that it would be best for Mr. Morrison to remain in Thunder Bay.
Counsel for Mr. Morrison directed Dr. Leinonen to para. 11 of last year’s Reasons for Disposition. Dr. Leinonen confirmed that the passing of Mr. Morrison’s mother in April of 2023 was difficult for Mr. Morrison and triggered his behaviour and consumption of alcohol or drugs, which then led to Mr. Morrison’s psychotic episode and hospitalization. Dr. Leinonen agreed that this was a significant stressor that could certainly have contributed to Mr. Morrison’s mental health issues, and then to the index offences.
In response to Ms. Labine’s question about the drug screening of Mr. Morrison, Dr. Leinonen stated that Mr. Morrison submitted 67 urine drug screens since last year’s ORB hearing. All drug screens had been negative for illicit substances. The urine toxicology reports also show the presence of Mr. Morrison’s prescribed antipsychotic medication with no indications of any substances this past reporting year.
When Mr. Morrison’s counsel asked about his client’s functioning in the community, Dr. Leinonen stated that Mr. Morrison was doing well. At times, Mr. Morrison struggles with social anxiety when going to work or school. Dr. Leinonen confirmed that Mr. Morrison is intelligent with no learning difficulties and that he has been successfully upgrading his education with the aspirations of going to university or college. Mr. Morrison presents as being articulate, intelligent, and well-read.
In response to another question from Mr. Labine, Dr. Leinonen stated that Mr. Morrison has done very well in the hospital program. Mr. Morrison has not been involved in any conflicts. Dr. Leinonen and the treatment team are of the opinion that Mr. Morrison could be managed safely on a Conditional Discharge and on the terms set out in the Hospital Report.
When asked by the panel about Mr. Morrison’s long-standing issues with social anxiety, Dr. Leinonen stated that as a result of social anxiety, being in a communal living residence would be difficult for Mr. Morrison. Presently, Mr. Morrison seeks out privacy by spending a lot of time in his room. Dr. Leinonen stated that Mr. Morrison has also benefited from working with the hospital psychology team, specifically Ms. Kristine Lake. Dr. Leinonen added that he and the team will explore other cognitive behavioural strategies to address Mr. Morrison’s social anxiety.
In response to questions from the panel about the recommended Conditional Discharge Disposition, Dr. Leinonen confirmed that Mr. Morrison has had a good and busy reporting year. Mr. Morrison is devoted to his academic pursuits and is motivated to maintain the stability of his mental health. Dr. Leinonen opined that Mr. Morrison would likely communicate with the hospital if there was a change in his symptoms as he has a good rapport with his doctor and the treatment team. Dr. Leinonen stated that any potential risk to the safety of the public could be safely addressed by the provisions of the Mental Health Act, so that Mr. Morrison’s mental state could be stabilized.
In response to a follow-up question from the panel, Dr. Leinonen testified that he felt confident that Mr. Morrison would cooperate with a readmission, if required, in the future. Dr. Leinonen qualified that, of course, that would depend on the degree of any deterioration Mr. Morrison suffered and the impact the deterioration had on Mr. Morrison’s insight.
When asked by the panel what housing was being considered for Mr. Morrison, Dr. Leinonen stated they are looking at apartment-style accommodation with continued monitoring by the hospital team. Initially, sustained contact with the hospital team would be at least weekly, and as time progressed, not less than every two weeks.
In working with the hospital team in the housing search, Dr. Leinonen opined that Mr. Morrison will likely take the advice of the team in making his choice of housing so as to avoid being in a problematic area of town. Mr. Morrison’s transition would begin with overnight passes while keeping his current bed at Andras Court.
In response to a question from the panel about Mr. Morrison’s two apprehensions in June 2023, under the MHA, Dr. Leinonen acknowledged that he had not fully reviewed those records but was of the opinion that Mr. Morrison could be managed under the MHA. While there were issues with Mr. Morrison adherence to treatment recommendations a few years ago, that was prior to his current period of treatment, his current level of insight and his present motivation to follow the treatment recommendations. Dr. Leinonen added that in Mr. Morrison’s treatment plan these past two years, Mr. Morrison has benefited from the resources of the TBRHSC which were not available to him when he lived in Fort Frances.
No other evidence was called.
Submissions
At the end of the hearing, on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Leinonen submitted that Mr. Morrison continues to be a significant threat to the safety of the public. The necessary and appropriate and least onerous and least restrictive disposition would be a Conditional Discharge with terms and conditions as set out in the Hospital Report.
After hearing the evidence, Ms. Pollak supported the recommendations of the hospital, as did Mr. Labine, who conceded that Mr. Morrison would not be challenging a finding of significant threat. The Board was therefore presented with a joint submission.
Analysis
Significant Threat
Mindful of the joint submissions of counsel, the panel independently and unanimously finds and accepts Dr. Leinonen’s expert opinion and based on the documentary evidence before us, that Mr. Morrison continues to pose a significant threat to the safety of the public as defined in S. 672.5401 of the Criminal Code.
As set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in Winko v. British Columbia (Forensic Psychiatric Institute), 1999 CanLII 694 (SCC), [1999] 2 S.C.R. 625, at para. 62, the court referred to a significant threat as: “[A] real risk of physical or psychological harm to members of the public that is serious in the sense of going beyond the merely trivial or annoying. The conduct giving rise to harm must be criminal in nature.” Justice McLachlin made it clear in Winko that the threshold of significant threat is a “relatively high” one. She said at para. 69 that “the phrase conjures a threat to public safety of sufficient importance to justify depriving a person of his or her liberty”.
In coming to our conclusion, the panel accepts evidence that Mr. Morrison is diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, namely bipolar disorder, type 1, currently euthymic, and alcohol use disorder, now in sustained remission, as well as social anxiety disorder. Mr. Morrison is presently residing at Andras Court, in Thunder Bay where he has 24-7 supervision. The evidence before us indicates that, absent the oversight of an ORB disposition, there is a risk of Mr. Morrison falling away from treatment and experiencing a relapse of symptoms, leading to behaviour similar to the index offences. While the evidence supports that Mr. Morrison has insight into his illness, the index offences are of a serious criminal nature and significant threat remains relatively high.
Disposition
Having found that Mr. Morrison represents a significant threat to public safety, the Board must shape a disposition for the coming year. On the evidence, we find that the necessary and appropriate and the least onerous and least restrictive Disposition is a Conditional Discharge. On the evidence, an Absolute Discharge is not realistic.
Given Mr. Morrison’s diagnoses, he must abstain absolutely from the use of intoxicating substances and submit samples of his urine and/or breath for testing. Any use of psychoactive substances must be approved by the person in charge or delegate. Given the serious nature of the index offences, a weapons prohibition is also necessary and appropriate. Mr. Morrison must reside in the district of Thunder Bay and not travel outside of Thunder Bay without approval, in advance, of his itinerary by the person in charge or delegate. Mr. Morrison must also report to the person in charge or delegate not less than once every two weeks.
In the Board’s opinion, the parties’ joint recommendation for a Conditional Discharge is well-founded. Mr. Morrison has transitioned well from the hospital to living in the community. He has maintained good clinical stability this past reporting year. Mr. Morrison’s main challenge has been anxiety, which has been actively controlled through pharmacological and psychotherapeutic means. Although he continues to struggle with anxiety, this has improved and appears to be reasonable well-managed.
To his credit, Mr. Morrison has been pursuing pro-social activities. The evidence supports that there have been no serious clinical or behavioral concerns, and no signs of substance use in the testing. Mr. Morrison has adhered to his medication and has been cooperative with the hospital team with whom he has a good relationship.
Quite apart from the joint recommendation, the Board bears in mind the significant progress Mr. Morrison has made while under the ORB and while in the care of the hospital team. Mr. Morrison is obviously motivated not only to continue to follow the treatment plan as put in place for him but to pursue his education. The panel therefore has no hesitation in accepting the evidence of Dr. Leinonen, as set out in the summary of the evidence and the Hospital Report, recommending a Conditional Discharge.
Bearing in mind the provision of s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code, in the circumstances of this case, the necessary and appropriate disposition that is the least onerous and least restrictive is a Conditional Discharge with the terms and conditions as set out above which bear in mind Mr. Morrison’s rehabilitation and other needs.
Conclusion
On the evidence, we are satisfied that the jurisdictional threshold of significant threat to the safety of the public in met and that on the evidence grant a Conditional Discharge.
The panel wishes Mr. Morrison all the very best in his educational endeavours and in his ongoing transition in the community.
DATED this 13th of February 2026, at the City of Toronto, in the Toronto Region.
Hon. E. Kruzick
Legal Member
Office of the Registrar
Ontario Review Board