Re Calvin W. Larondeau, 2026 CanLII 56731

Ontario Review Board

Re: Calvin W. Larondeau

ORB File No: 8225

Hearing held on: Thursday, May 7, 2026

Place of hearing: Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Pursuant to: Sections 672.48(1) and 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code

Before: Alternate Chairperson: Mr. P. Capelle Members: Dr. P.L. Darby Dr. L.O. Lightfoot Ms. C. Murray Ms. M. McKinnon

Parties Appearing: Accused: Calvin W. Larondeau Counsel: Ms. C. Francis (by Zoom) Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Ms. T. Murdock Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. J. Armenise

REASONS FOR DISPOSITION

(Dated June 11, 2026)

Introduction

1On January 24, 2023, Calvin W. Larondeau was found unfit to stand trial on account of mental disorder on charges of break and enter, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon (x2), fail to comply with probation, attempt murder, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, possession of a prohibited weapon while prohibited (x4), and possession of a Schedule I substance (x2), all contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (the "Code"). Mr. Larondeau is currently subject to a Disposition of the Ontario Review Board (the "Board") dated May 29, 2025, detaining him at the High Secure Provincial Forensic Programs, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care ("Waypoint"), with privileges up to hospital and grounds, beyond the secure perimeter, escorted by staff.

2On May 7, 2026, a panel of the Ontario Review Board (the "ORB" or the "Board") convened a hearing pursuant to s. 672.81(1) of the Code. Mr. Larondeau was present for his hearing and represented by counsel.

Without Prejudice Initial Position of the Parties

3Ms. Murdock advanced the Hospital's position as set out at page 59 of the Hospital Report that Mr. Larondeau is now fit to stand trial. Ms. Armenise, for the Attorney General, and Ms. Francis, for Mr. Larondeau, initially joined in that position.

Index Offences and Background

4The circumstances of the index offences are taken from last year's Reasons for Disposition as follows:

"Count 1: Break and Enter With Intent To Commit an Indictable Offense:

On July 4, 2021, at approximately 10:40am, the accused attended (address) in the City of North Bay Inside the residence were the apartment tenants, the victim, and his wife (redacted), who were making breakfast. The victim heard someone at the patio screen, shaking the door, trying to get into the residence. The victim attended the door and observed the accused attempting to make entry into the apartment. The victim told the accused to leave but the accused said that his grandmother, Shirley, lived there, and to let him inside. The victim closed the interior door and locked it.

The accused continued to try, and force open the door and was pounding at the door. The accused broke the screen door handle, and at that time the victim's wife… called 911 to report the break in. As (victim's wife) was on the phone with 911, the accused removed some of his clothing and he was observed with a knife. The accused removed a screen to the living room window, and kicked the window and broke the glass, forcing the entire windowpane and frame inside the apartment. The accused was observed to be carrying a knife, and at that time (victim's wife) and the victim fled the apartment.

Count 2-6: Attempt Murder, Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon (x2), Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

(Victim's wife) and the victim ran down the hall and at some point, separated. (Victim's wife) exited outside by the nearest exit, while the victim went to another corridor leading to other apartment units in the complex. The accused followed the victim into the hallway and attacked the victim. The accused struck the victim in the back of the head with a brick, causing the victim to fall to the floor. The accused then proceeded to attack the victim using a large hunting/skinning knife and repeatedly stabbed the victim nine times in the head and upper body, causing extensive blood loss. Constable Hofmann of the North Bay Police Service arrived while the accused was still over top of the victim. Constable Hofmann challenged the accused with a conductive energy weapon, at which point the accused immediately put his hands up and dropped the knife. The accused was arrested by police without incident. The victim was rushed to North Bay Regional health Center where he nearly succumbed to his injuries. The victim required eight units of blood due to his blood loss and was eventually stabilized by medical staff. As a result of the attack, the victim was stabbed nine time, had a large contusion over his ear, the base of his skull had a hematoma, which medical staff presumed was cause by being struck in the back of the head by the brick, and he had multiple abrasions."

5The Hospital Report contains a comprehensive account of Mr. Larondeau's background and psychiatric history. Only the most relevant points are summarized here.

6Mr. Larondeau is a 37-year-old man born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. At age 17, he was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), a condition marked by persistent patterns of defiance, hostility, and difficulty following rules and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). He spent much of his youth in detention centres. He did not earn any high school credits through regular schooling, though he did obtain some credits while in youth detention. He also completed six months of Project Dare, a court-ordered open-custody therapy program designed for young offenders.

7Mr. Larondeau was previously married and fathered two children, both of whom were subsequently adopted by other families. Information gathered from outside sources indicates the marriage was unstable and conflict-ridden, with both partners struggling with addiction. There were also reports of intimate partner abuse and violence.

8Mr. Larondeau has a long and serious history of substance use, including cannabis, opioids, heroin, and fentanyl, some of which he used by injection. He has stated that he used cannabis to help manage his anxiety. Clinical records suggest he may have experienced psychotic episodes during periods of withdrawal from opiates, other substances, or medications.

9Mr. Larondeau has an extensive criminal record dating back to age 15, continuing through to the time of the index offences. His record includes multiple convictions for break and enter, violence, drug trafficking, and repeated failures to comply with court orders. A full account of his criminal history is available within the Hospital Report at pages 4 through 8. According to his mother, Mr. Larondeau had cycled in and out of jail for approximately 20 years without ever receiving meaningful mental health treatment. In April 2021, he began displaying severely disorganized and paranoid behavior. He believed his mother and grandmother were his children, wore his underwear on his head, and adopted different identities during conversations with his mother, claiming to be different people. His mother reported that she sometimes felt unsafe in his presence.

10Following his arrest in July 2021, Mr. Larondeau was found fit to stand trial and transferred from North Bay Jail to the Central East Correctional Centre. He was later released and placed on a Form 1 under the Mental Health Act and transported to the North Bay Regional Health Centre for assessment. The Form 1 was discontinued following that assessment, and he was released back into the community. In May 2022, Mr. Larondeau was again taken into custody and transferred to the North Bay Regional Health Centre for a fitness to stand trial assessment. He disclosed addictions to cocaine and opiates and admitted to using fentanyl while held at North Bay Jail. Upon admission, he became angry, threatening, and argumentative, prompting a Code White — a formal emergency response to a violent or potentially violent situation — after which he was placed in seclusion. His mental state was highly unstable during this period. He made explicit threats to harm and kill staff and appeared to be responding to stimuli that no one else could perceive. He expressed beliefs that were both persecutory and grandiose. Specifically, he claimed to be "the controller of all life and death" and described communicating with Jesus, Allah, Satan, and Buddha. Clinicians concluded his presentation was most consistent with multiple substance use disorders, though whether he also had an underlying psychotic illness remained unclear. He was nonetheless again found fit to stand trial and transferred back to North Bay Jail in October 2022. Over the following months, Mr. Larondeau's mental state worsened, largely due to his refusal to take prescribed medication. He continued to express elaborate grandiose delusions, including claims that he had personally invented heroin, opioids, and religion. He was also observed mumbling to himself, which suggested he may have been experiencing auditory hallucinations.

11Mr. Larondeau was transferred to Waypoint on March 8, 2023, after being found unfit to stand trial. From the outset of his admission, he repeatedly attempted to violate ward rules and behavioral expectations. Staff found that he had concealed multiple dangerous items on his person, including a plastic spoon he had sharpened into a weapon. Even after staff confiscated these items, Mr. Larondeau continued to fashion new weapons. Staff expressed serious and ongoing concern for their personal safety.

Current Diagnoses

• Schizophrenia
• Opioid Use Disorder, moderate

Evidence at Hearing

12Dr. Bouskill gave evidence. She has read and agrees with the contents of the Hospital Report. Dr. Bouskill last assessed Mr. Larondeau's fitness on April 2, 2026. He declined to meet with her the week prior to this hearing. On April 2, Mr. Larondeau demonstrated an accurate knowledge of how the court process works in keeping with Taylor test questions. He no longer fixated on the belief that he was above the law which had been the case since September of 2025. Mr. Larondeau related that the charges against him were accurate and was able to provide details regarding the alleged index offences. This lead Dr. Bouskill to opine that he has regained the fitness to stand trial.

13Dr. Bouskill opined that Mr. Larondeau remains fit from April 2 to the date of this hearing because his mental state has remained stable. Concerns regarding substance abuse have resolved. Mr. Larondeau is sleeping well and is less agitated when awake. He has returned to activities both on and off unit and now interacts with co-patients. Nursing staff continue to engage with him and report no change in mental status. Dr. Bouskill spoke with Mr. Larondeau's mother during the week preceding this hearing. Dr. Bouskill testified that she was advised by Mr. Larondeau's mother that communications surrounding Mr. Larondeau's current charges with his mother were quite similar to those she had elicited on April 2.

14A panelist inquired if Dr. Bouskill had concerns regarding Mr. Larondeau's ability to instruct counsel. The doctor responded that she did not at this time. This is because Mr. Larondeau has demonstrated both to her and to his mother a nuanced understanding of his case. In support of the preceding statement the Hospital tendered a May 5, 2026, email, authored by Mr. Larondeau's mother to Dr Bouskill and Social Worker Emma Gould, entered as Exhibit 2.

15Dr. Bouskill reported two positive updates: (i) two recent urine samples were negative for non-prescribed medications; and (ii) off unit privileges for Mr. Larondeau were reinstated at the C-3 level on April 15 and increased to C-5 on April 29.

16Ms. Armenise inquired how Mr. Larondeau was able to access Bupropion that was not prescribed to him. Dr. Bouskill responded that Mr. Larondeau accessed the Bupropion from a co-patient who was diverting prescribed medications.

17Dr. Bouskill opined that Mr. Larondeau could participate in a criminal trial as long as he remains treatment compliant. She attributes his fitness to changing to an injectable psychotropic formulation and dosage optimization. Sertraline had also been added to his medication regimen.

18Mr. Larondeau remains treatment incapable. Dr. Bouskill opined that if Mr. Larondeau stopped his injectable medications he would decompensate in a month or so. Were he to discontinue the Sertraline he would decompensate in days to weeks. Dr. Bouskill advised that stimulant use disorder could be added to Mr. Larondeau's list of diagnoses. She does not believe her patient has a psychotic illness as he only experienced symptoms when intoxicated. Mr. Larondeau has stated that he suffers from anxiety, depression and ADHD but cannot explain his symptoms.

19Ms. Francis inquired when Mr. Larondeau became fit. Dr. Bouskill responded that his fitness capacity has grown since December 2025 and that he had been fit since March of 2026. A panel member inquired why Mr. Larondeau declined to meet with Dr. Bouskill the week prior to this hearing. According to Dr. Bouskill, after receiving a copy of the ORB report prepared for this hearing, Mr. Larondeau stated he no longer wants to be at Waypoint.

20Mr. Larondeau was called to testify by Ms. Francis. He believes it is possible that he can return to court. Mr. Larondeau stated that he never declined to meet with Dr. Bouskill and added that he never said he did not want to remain at Waypoint. Mr. Larondeau still believes he is above the law, and a judge cannot determine a sentence for him because he is "In right of Canada." Mr. Larondeau no longer believes he needs a lawyer to go back to court. He will go in front of a judge who will determine guilt and send him to jail, and he would have to go. Mr. Larondeau then stated that although he is the Creator, he will still have to go to court and at the end it is the judge's decision. He added if found not guilty then he could go free.

21A panel member inquired why Mr. Larondeau no longer believes he needs a lawyer. He responded that it might help him although he was unsure, he would get one. Mr. Larondeau added that he is still above the law because he created this planet and humans. Therefore, he is in right and still owns the police and the court system; therefore, they cannot sentence him. Nevertheless, the courts will try to abuse their power and sentence him although they really do not have authority over him.

22Following Mr. Larondeau's evidence further questions were asked of Dr. Bouskill. Questioned by a panelist, Dr. Bouskill stated that she had secondary concerns in relation to Mr. Larondeau's testimony. Those concerns primarily involve inconsistencies in his testimony regarding her attempts to interact with him, his desire to go to another facility and his desire to take substances. Dr. Bouskill specified that her secondary concern relates to the level of detail in Mr. Larondeau's responses during this hearing whereas his responses from early February through to April 2, 2026, led her to believe he is fit.

23Dr. Bouskill added that on April 30 a team meeting took place and all individuals concerned: Dr. Bouskill, the unit manager, the team lead, the social worker, the unit psychometrist, the addictions counsellor, the pharmacist, and the occupation therapist were all of the opinion that Mr. Larondeau was fit and noted several improvements in his mental state since interventions were put in place to prevent his use of substances. Dr. Bouskill added that the team lead would have had daily contact with Mr. Larondeau, and he was approached several times by the addictions counsellor and most recently engaged with the psychometrist in relation to risk assessment in early April. Contact with the occupational therapist occurred weekly.

24According to Dr. Bouskill, Mr. Larondeau believes that in his role as creator, he is above all rules and regulations. However, in this case, he appreciates that the ORB decides his fitness to stand trial and that the judge makes a determination regarding his case. Dr. Bouskill first formed the opinion that Mr. Larondeau was fit during the March 19, 2026, pre-Board conference and on March 26, found him to be fit.

25However, Mr. Larondeau's testimony at this hearing leads Dr. Bouskill to believe that he is malingering. Dr. Bouskill added that Mr. Larondeau's presentation may also be associated with a secondary motivation. Specifically, that he wants to leave Waypoint as outlined in the Hospital Report. An ongoing desire of his is to be transferred to Ontario Shores or another lower security facility, where he perceives he would have more freedom.

26Dr. Bouskill was asked by a panel member whether Mr. Larondeau's taking of methadone contributed to his drowsy presentation at this hearing. She responded that Mr. Larondeau has been prescribed methadone for many years. He continues to take it despite ongoing encouragement not to. The panel member observed that Mr. Larondeau's evidence was internally inconsistent and contradictory. Dr. Bouskill responded that in the morning, following ingestion of methadone, Mr. Larondeau is often more vague and disorganized. Asked why Mr. Larondeau's dosage of methadone has not been modified, Dr. Bouskill responded that her patient has declined to make any changes to the dosage which was initially prescribed by one of the correctional physicians.

27Following a brief adjournment, Ms. Francis advised that she had interviewed Mr. Larondeau prior to his having seen Exhibit 2. Ms. Francis advised that Mr. Larondeau is afraid of returning to jail. She added that during the break her client was unable to answer the Taylor test questions put to him. Ms. Francis stated she asked Mr. Larondeau why he was able to answer those questions to her satisfaction two days prior to this hearing. Ms. Francis advised that her instructions had changed to now advance the position that her client is unfit. She added If deemed unfit by the Board, a 30-day adjournment will be requested in order to provide a Rule 13 transfer request to Ontario Shores. Ms. Francis added that Mr. Larondeau is terrified of going back to jail which may explain the difference in his presentation at today's hearing in contrast to what is described within Exhibit 2.

28Dr. Bouskill stated that notwithstanding Mr. Larondeau's change of instruction to his counsel today, she nevertheless maintains her position that he is fit. Dr. Bouskill was asked if another fitness assessment would be of assistance at this time. She responded that she was uncertain there would be a lot to glean from an immediate fitness assessment, adding that it was better to gauge Mr. Larondeau's presentation over time. Dr. Bouskill added that if found fit, it was certainly possible that Mr. Larondeau could continue to malinger if returned to court. Dr. Bouskill is uncertain of her patient's level of motivation to stay away from the prison environment as it is inconsistent to what he previously stated. She added that Mr. Larondeau's presentation today was quite new.

29Dr. Bouskill further testified that if the Board finds that Mr. Larondeau remains unfit, the Hospital's actions would not change. Ongoing monitoring will continue.

Closing Observations

30Ms. Murdock maintained the hospital's initial position that Mr. Larondeau is fit. She noted that as indicated at page 67 of the Hospital Report if Mr. Larondeau is found unfit the recommendation would be to continue his detention at Waypoint.

31Ms. Armenise submitted that the evidence of Dr. Bouskill is that Mr. Larondeau is motivated to answer questions by drug seeking behaviour, wanting to go to Ontario Shores, and not wanting to be returned to a corrections facility. Ms. Armenise further submitted that issues of malingering can be dealt with by a court appointed amicus counsel. Therefore, this matter can continue through the criminal system notwithstanding that Mr. Larondeau is now presenting as not wanting to assist his counsel.

32Ms. Francis submitted that in the days prior to this hearing Mr. Larondeau could answer fitness questions and he agreed that he was fit. However, his presentation today may be a result of stress. Therefore, the Board must decide whether he is malingering or whether he is fit. During the break, Mr. Larondeau advised her that he does not believe the court has any authority over him. Answers to questions that Ms. Francis put to Mr. Larondeau during the break resembled answers he gave to her in 2025, which suggest he is currently unfit.

Analysis and Finding

s. 672.48 (1) Where a Review Board holds a hearing to make or review a disposition in respect of an accused who has been found unfit to stand trial, it shall determine whether in its opinion the accused is fit to stand trial at the time of the hearing.

33In 2025 the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in R. Bharwani, 2025 SCC 26, which provides the decisive interpretation of the definition of "unfit to stand trial" within the Criminal Code as well as the application of the "fitness test".

34Before the Supreme Court of Canada, Counsel for Mr. Bharwani argued that the fitness test required an accused:

to have analytical capacity, meaning that the accused must possess the ability to make rational decisions in the conduct of their defence

35The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the above noted argument, stating the following at paragraph 6, vis-à-vis "fitness to stand trial":

… an accused is fit to stand trial when they are able to make and communicate reality-based decisions in the conduct of their defence or instruct counsel to do so. Conducting a defence includes making decisions that an accused must always make personally and those which relate to the exercise of their right to full answer and defence, such as decisions about pleas, the mode of trial, selection of counsel, whether to testify, whether to call or cross-examine witnesses, and closing submissions, among others. The capacity required to make those decisions is a reality-based understanding of the nature or object of the proceedings and their possible consequences, an ability to understand the available options and their consequences, and an ability to select between those options when making decisions. Fitness to stand trial does not require an accused to make decisions in their best interests. Rather, it requires making decisions based on an understanding of reality that is not overwhelmed by delusions, hallucinations, or other symptoms of their mental disorder. Transient mental health symptoms do not necessarily compromise an accused's ability to conduct a defence. The focus is always on assessing the extent to which an accused's mental disorder impairs their understanding of reality when making and communicating decisions in their defence.

36Dr. Bouskill last assessed Mr. Larondeau's fitness to stand trial on April 2, 2026. At that time she was satisfied that her patient "demonstrated an accurate knowledge of how the court process works in keeping with Taylor test questions." Mr. Larondeau confirmed to Dr. Bouskill that the criminal charges against him were accurate and related details vis-à-vis the index offences.

37Notwithstanding that Dr. Bouskill has not subsequently assessed Mr. Larondeau's fitness, she nevertheless contends that her fitness determination remains valid as of May 7, the date of this hearing, because:

• of a change to an intramuscular formulation and dosage optimization,
• he remains medication compliant,
• there has been no change in mental status,
• he is less agitated,
• he is sleeping well,
• he now interacts with co-patients,
• he is again participating in activities both on and off unit.

38Additionally, Dr. Bouskill relies on the contents of Exhibit 2, the May 5 email, authored by Mr. Larondeau's mother to Dr Bouskill and Social Worker Emma Gould. Whereas the Hospital purports that this email demonstrates that Mr. Larondeau's mother is relating her son's "nuanced understanding of his case." The panel sees no such attribution.

39Mr. Larondeau's testimony as to why he no longer requires a lawyer raised significant concerns among the panel regarding his fitness to stand trial. Therefore, additional questions were put to Dr. Bouskill who eventually opined that Mr. Larondeau's testimony was indicative of malingering for secondary gain. More specifically, to enable a transfer to a medium secure forensic facility where he would have greater freedom. Dr. Bouskill also referenced an April 30 team meeting, where eight team members, including herself, agreed that Mr. Larondeau was fit to stand to trial. Further, that noted improvement in his mental state were attributable to measures put in place to eliminate his access to substances. Thereafter, Dr. Bouskill conceded that Mr. Larondeau's presentation and responses to fitness questions on the date of this hearing "reflect a lack of fitness."

40Clearly, there were significant changes in Mr. Larondeau's presentation on the date of this hearing. The panel carefully considered the concerns raised by Dr. Bouskill that secondary motivation may be driving her patient to malinger. Nevertheless, absent a current fitness assessment, on a balance of probabilities, this panel of the Board finds that as of May 7, Mr. Larondeau is unfit to stand trial. This is because in the course of this hearing he demonstrated a lack of a reality-based understanding of the nature or object of the proceedings and their possible consequences, an ability to understand the available options and their consequences, and an ability to select between those options when making decisions.

41In making this Disposition, the Board carefully considered the positions and submissions of the parties and the evidence of Dr. Bouskill and Mr. Larondeau and is satisfied that this determination is both necessary and appropriate. The Board reviewed the provisions of s. 672.54 of the Criminal Code and carefully considered the need to protect the public from dangerous persons, Mr. Larondeau's mental condition, his reintegration into society and other needs.