Stampede youth-group staffer faces sex charges

CALGARY — A longtime administrator with The Young Canadians performance group at the Calgary Stampede is facing sexual charges dating back to the 1990s involving several teenage performers.

Philip Heerema, 52, faces 13 charges that include child pornography, sexual assault, luring a child via a computer and inciting sexual contact with a youth.

The Young Canadians performance school involves 120 students from the Calgary area. They train to deliver public performances, most notably during the grandstand shows at the Calgary Stampede.

Police say they received a complaint from a student and his parents in January 2014 of an inappropriate relationship with a “person of authority” with the troupe.

“The investigation began with one victim coming forward initially and, as our investigators conducted their interviews, more people were identified and spoken to,” Staff Sgt. Melanie Oncescu said Friday.

As a result, there are now seven alleged victims, she said.

One of the complaints dates back to 1997. All seven complainants are male and were between the ages of 15 and 18 at the time of the alleged encounters.

“The offences took place in Calgary — some off site and some on site.”

Heerema worked with The Young Canadians for 36 years. He resigned after the investigation began, but was listed on the school’s website as business administrator and production services co-ordinator.

A cached profile from the troupe’s website details how Heerema worked with the program in many areas including costuming, props, sets and lighting.

“Acting as trainer, Phil consults and co-ordinates physical therapy to The Young Canadians cast. He joins the rest of the TYC staff and crew in making sure the show goes on and that the cast enjoys a quality experience with the program.”

Oncescu said he was in a position of authority.

“Whether he’d be a coach or someone within management within the organization he was put in a position of trust with the performers.”

Officials with the Calgary Stampede said the organization is “shocked and saddened” by the news.