Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual harassment and assault.

Infamous “Pee Pee Poo Poo Man” arrested in two sexual assault investigations — Toronto

BYLINE: Celesta Maniatogianni, News Editor

On Tuesday May 12, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) arrested Samuel Opoku, also known as the “Pee Pee Poo Poo Man,” following two separate sexual assault cases in Toronto. Opoku became known as the “Pee Pee Poo Poo Man” after a series of attacks involving “liquified fecal matter” at UTSG in 2019.

According to a TPS news release, Opoku has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent exposure. It is alleged that on May 9, Opoku approached a group of women, took hold of the victim’s forearm, and made sexual advances before sexually assaulting her. 

It is further alleged that on May 10, Opoku followed a different woman into an office space in a commercial building, approached the victim from behind, and sexually assaulted her. Both victims sustained no injuries. 

Nine Canadians considered at “high risk” and 27 considered at “low risk” of hantavirus exposure — Ontario

BYLINE: Omayma Lateef, Varsity Contributor

As of May 18, nine Canadians — former cruise passengers and their close contacts — are considered to be at “high risk” of exposure to hantavirus. All nine individuals are currently asymptomatic. 

A further 27 Canadians fall within the “low risk” category because they were on the same flight as a potentially infected person. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer assured the public at a press conference on May 14 that there is no conclusive evidence of hantavirus spreading from asymptomatic patients, and it does not currently pose a “pandemic risk” at this moment.

On May 7, Canada’s foreign affairs and health ministers informed the public that a couple from Ontario, who were aboard the MV Honduis, the cruise ship on which an outbreak of hantavirus had occurred, had returned to Ontario and were self-isolating.

The couple was exposed to the virus on two occasions: first while aboard the cruise ship, and second on a flight to Africa with an infected individual.

On May 11, a third person visiting Ontario was also reported to be isolating after potential contact with an infected person on a flight. 

Louise Arbour appointed Governor General of Canada — Ottawa

BYLINE: Victoria Dubrovsky, Varsity Contributor

Louise Arbour will be the 31st governor general of Canada starting June 8, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on May 5.

Arbour is a former Supreme Court justice, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, chief prosecutor in the International Criminal Tribunals against Rwanda and Yugoslavia, and CEO and president of the non-profit International Crisis Group. 

She is an advocate for large-scale immigration and, in 2021, conducted an investigation into the culture of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. Arbour has been awarded the Order of Canada, National Order of Québec, and 42 honorary doctorates.

Community health and social service workers put Ford government on strike notice — Ontario

BYLINE: Harman Banga, Varsity Contributor

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) have officially put the Ford government on strike notice, as of May 6. 

Workers of 27 community organizations, all members of OPSEU/SEFPO, requested that the Ministry of Labour issue the no-board reports, which officially start the countdown before a strike can legally begin. A strike can only legally take place at least 16 days after the Minister of Labour issues the no-board reports. 

According to a news release by OPSEU/SEFPO, these workers are among the “tens of thousands” still waiting for “stolen wages” under Ontario’s Bill 124, which capped wage increases of public sector employees at one per cent per year. 

Although Bill 124 was deemed unconstitutional and was repealed in 2024, it is alleged by OPSEU/SEFPO that many workers are still waiting for their retroactive wages.

In the news release, OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick was quoted as saying, “Doug Ford has underfunded our community services to the point of crisis — and it’s pushing many workers into poverty.”