By The Canadian Press

Friend of complainant testifies at Frank Stronach’s sexual assault trial

Mar 4, 2026 | 10:53 AM

TORONTO — A friend and colleague of one of the complainants is telling Frank Stronach’s sexual assault trial what she knew about the alleged incident.

The friend says the complainant indicated something had happened to her during a brief conversation on date rape seven to 10 years ago, but didn’t elaborate further.

The pair were on a business trip in June 2024 when Stronach was first charged, and the friend says she mentioned the news to the complainant.

She says the complainant turned white and said, “It’s him,” then asked to see an article on Stronach’s arrest.

The complainant mentioned Rooney’s, the restaurant and venue Stronach owned, but didn’t say anything beyond that, the friend says.

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In August of that year, the friend accompanied the complainant to the police station and both ended up giving a statement.

Stronach, who is 93, faces 11 charges stemming from alleged incidents dating as far back as the 1970s. Prosecutors are seeking to withdraw one of the counts of sexual assault.

The friend, whom The Canadian Press is not naming in order to protect the identity of the complainant, is expected to be the Crown’s last witness.

All seven complainants have testified since the trial began on Feb. 12, though the sixth complainant did not finish cross-examination.

Court is set to hear some legal arguments before the defence starts presenting its evidence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press