Canadian business magnate Frank Stronach is gearing up for the start of his first sexual assault trial. The founder of Magna, a renowned auto parts company, will be facing the court in Toronto for the allegations. Another trial is anticipated to follow in Newmarket, Ontario.
Stronach vehemently denies all accusations, which span over several decades.
Let’s delve into key milestones in this unfolding case.
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1957 – Frank Stronach kickstarts a business in a Toronto garage, eventually transforming it into Magna International, a global leader in auto parts manufacturing. The company is currently headquartered in Aurora, Ontario.
2011 – Stronach steps down as Magna’s chairman. Subsequently, he and his daughter, former politician Belinda Stronach, establish The Stronach Group, a company focused on horse racing and entertainment. The venture later becomes embroiled in a high-profile legal battle resulting in a split of the family’s wealth.
2012 – Stronach resigns from the board of directors to concentrate on launching a political party in Austria.
June 7, 2024 – Peel regional police arrest Stronach on charges including sexual assault, rape, and indecent assault on a female. He is released under conditions. Allegations involve incidents dating back to 1980, 1986, and 2023. Stronach vehemently refutes the claims through his lawyer.
June 26, 2024 – Police file additional charges against Stronach, including sexual assault and attempted rape. These accusations stem from incidents between 1977 and early 2024, involving seven more individuals.
August 2024 – Stronach addresses the allegations on CBC’s Fifth Estate, maintaining his innocence. He changes legal representation during this time.
October 2024 – Magna International initiates a review of its records in response to the charges against Stronach, uncovering a historical settlement related to harassment.
Oct. 3, 2024 – Stronach faces more charges involving three new complainants from the 1980s and 1990s, raising the total accusers to 13.
Nov. 8, 2024 – The case is divided into trials in Toronto and Newmarket, Ontario.
Dec. 13, 2024 – Stronach opts for a preliminary inquiry and a jury trial in Toronto.
April 17, 2025 – Stronach is committed to stand trial on 12 counts in Toronto after a preliminary inquiry.
June 26, 2025 – Stronach switches to a judge-alone trial in Toronto and pleads not guilty to all charges.
Nov. 10, 2025 – Stronach’s attempt to dismiss a charge in his Toronto trial is rejected.
Feb. 3, 2026 – Stronach’s Toronto trial commences before a judge alone.
Keyphrase: Frank Stronach case
