Re: Jessica McGuire
ORB File No: 7839
Hearing held on: Monday, January 12, 2026
Place of hearing: Brockville Mental Health Centre
Pursuant to: Section 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. P Capelle
Members: Dr. Y. Alatishe Dr. P. Wright Mr. K. McKenna Ms. R. MacIntyre
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Jessica McGuire Counsel: Mr. M. Bird
The person in charge of hospital: Representative: Dr. A. Adiele
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. J. Masse
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated February 25, 2026)
Introduction
On January 21, 2021, Jessica McGuire, was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder on charges of arson – damage to property, arson – reckless disregard for human life, prowl by night, failure to comply, and take motor vehicle, all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (“Criminal Code”). Ms. McGuire is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board dated February 4th, 2025, detaining her within the Forensic Program of the Brockville Mental Health Centre (“BMHC”) with privileges up to and including to live in the community of Southeastern Ontario in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On January 12, 2026, the Ontario Review Board (“the ORB” or “the Board”) convened a hearing at the BMHC pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code. The annual review for Ms. McGuire was held in person. The Hospital was represented by Dr. A. Adiele, the Attorney General by Ms. Masse and Ms. McGuire by Mr. Bird.
Preliminary Matters
- It was noted that the CPIC Report speaks to incidents of spousal assault. However, as confirmed by Ms. Masse, the assault charges related to a co-patient, and not to a spouse or former spouse.
Without Prejudice Position of the Parties
At the outset of the hearing, the Board was advised that the Hospital was recommending a continuation of the current detention disposition. This recommendation was supported by Ms. Masse. Mr. Bird advised he would ask the Board to consider the appropriateness of a conditional discharge for Ms. McGuire but that she was not contesting the ongoing presence of significant threat.
After considering the evidence and deliberating, the Board accepted the joint recommendation of the parties that Ms. McGuire continues to represent a significant risk to the safety of the public and determined that the necessary and appropriate disposition in the circumstances is a renewal of the existing detention disposition absent any changes.
Index Offence
- The circumstances giving rise to the index offence are extracted from the Hospital Report and summarized as follows:
“Take Motor vehicle without consent
On August 2nd, 2020, the accused had just returned from a road trip with the victim. The victim observed the accused driving away in his Dodge caravan van. He reported this to police who apprehended her and placed under arrest.
Arson – Disregard for Human Life
On August 10, the Brockville Police received a call in response to Ms. McGuire burning clothing at 6 Central Avenue East in the City of Brockville. The investigation revealed that McGuire was setting fire to her property in attempts to burn the residence. Police found burned clothing on the front step of the residence and charring to the fence of the residence due to the fire being set next to it.
The police suspected the presence of a mental health issue as she spoke to police about previous incidents that she had believed had taken place such as a murder at that location as well as thoughts about killing other people with scissors and killing herself with a knife the day before. Ms. McGuire was escorted to the Brockville General Hospital. She was placed on a Form 1 for assessment and placed in the care of the hospital at that time.
Trespassing at Night and Failure to Comply with Undertaking
As a result of being charged with the offence of arson as noted above, Ms. McGuire was released on an undertaking not to attend the address of 8 Central Avenue East, Brockville nor to communicate with the owner directly