York Region, Ontario has been shaken by a series of violent crimes — home invasions, arson, carjackings, kidnappings, and shootings — that have left families terrified and communities on edge.

In this special episode of Northern Dark: True Canadian Crime, we look beyond a single case to explore the wave of violence spreading across Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Bowmanville, and Lindsay. From the murder of Abdul Aleem Farooqi in front of his daughters, to an arson that killed two people in Richmond Hill, to a Markham home invasion where a man was shot and a woman kidnapped — this is the story of suburban Canada under siege.

Sources & References

• CBC News – Second victim, woman, dies after Richmond Hill house fire deemed arson
• CBC News – York police provide update on violent crimes in region
• CBC News – Boy, 12, released on bail in Markham shooting case
• CBC News – Lindsay man charged after defending home from knife- and crossbow-wielding intruder
• CTV News – ‘He’s got a knife’: 2 suspects arrested after Bowmanville carjacking and home invasion
• CTV News – Police say father of four killed during Vaughan home invasion confronted suspects inside residence
• CTV News – Suspects caught on security camera using axe to break into Vaughan home
• CTV News – 2 men, 2 teens arrested after woman kidnapped, man shot during home invasion in Markham
• Global News – Ontario father shot, killed during Vaughan home invasion
• Global News – Ontario family calls for bail reform after release of 12-year-old charged in Markham shooting
• Toronto Star – York police chief sends message after deadly Vaughan home invasion: Don’t engage
• Toronto Sun – Hate-crime legislation coming soon, bail and sentencing reform to follow: Fraser
• Toronto Sun – Ford calls Vaughan home invasion murder ‘devastating,’ vows to seek tougher bail reform
• Rebel News – At a Woodbridge home with $100,000 in security reinforcements, Poilievre pitches his party’s Jail Not Bail Act
• National Post – Yes, Liberals, Canada is pretty much the Wild West today
• YorkRegion.com – Neighbours and friends of Richmond Hill arson victims to grieve together in love and connection
• Police Association of Ontario – Police Association of Ontario calls for urgent federal bail reform to enhance community safety
• Toronto Police Association / OPPA / PAO – Police Associations Call for Immediate Legislative Change

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Description

On April 23, 2018, a bright spring afternoon in Toronto turned to horror. A white rental van mounted the sidewalk on Yonge Street, killing 11 innocent people and injuring 15 more in just 25 minutes.

This episode of Northern Dark: True Canadian Crime recounts the chilling minute-by-minute details of the Yonge Street van attack, explores the background of Alek Minassian, and examines the hateful ideology that motivated him.

We follow the investigation and trial, the families’ long wait for justice, and the legacy of Constable Ken Lam, who ended the rampage without firing a single shot. Finally, Mark and Leah reflect on what this case reveals about online radicalization, extremism, and resilience in the face of hate.

Episode Notes / Sources

• Wikipedia – 2018 Toronto van attack
• The Globe and Mail – What we know so far
• The Globe and Mail – Twenty-five minutes of horror on Yonge Street
• The New York Times – Toronto Van Attack coverage
• USA Today – Suspect Alek Minassian
• CTV News – Trial postponement details
• CBC News – Trial decision and verdict

Social Media

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On December 6, 1989, a gunman entered Montreal’s École Polytechnique and opened fire, targeting women in a brutal attack that shook Canada to its core. Fourteen women lost their lives, and countless others were forever changed. This episode revisits the harrowing events of that day, the survivors’ stories, and the lasting impact on Canadian society — from gun control reforms to the fight for gender equality.

Northern Dark examines the tragedy not only as one of Canada’s darkest crimes, but as a turning point in the nation’s history: The École Polytechnique Massacre (Montreal Massacre).

Episode Notes

• CBC News – “École Polytechnique massacre: 30 years later, the wounds remain”
• Hazlitt – “Marc Lépine’s War on Women”
• Globe and Mail – Archives on the December 6, 1989 Montreal Massacre
• Maclean’s – “The Day Canada Changed Forever”
• Montreal Gazette – Coverage and survivor stories from Dec. 1989 to present
• Government of Canada – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

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