Unlicensed Vancouver daycare operator sentenced in tragic Baby Mac case
The operator of the unlicensed East Vancouver daycare where 16-month-old Macallan Saini died five years ago has been handed a 20-month jail sentence.
Susy Yasmine Saad learned her fate in B.C. Supreme Court Monday, months after pleading guilty to failing to provide the necessaries of life to nine children – including the toddler known as Baby Mac.
The names of the other eight children are protected by a publication ban.
The court heard Saad left Baby Mac alone in a playpen on Jan. 18, 2017, and returned to find him unconscious with a cord around his neck.
Authorities later learned Saad had been caring for too many children at the time of the incident, including five who were under the age of 18 months. Under B.C. law, unlicensed daycare operators are only allowed to care for a maximum of two children other than their own, with few exceptions.
Justice Catherine Wedge said Saad was aware of the rules but made a conscious decision not to follow them in order to generate more income for her daycare.
Saad admitted to misleading Baby Mac's parents, Chris Saini and Shelly Sheppard, among others about how many children she was looking after. The judge called her a "scheming and dishonest person who knowingly placed young children at risk every day they attended the daycare."
After the sentence was handed down, Saini and Sheppard released a statement describing the punishment as a "minute and trivial measure of justice for Mac."
"No punishment will ever bring our sweet boy back to us," they said. "His life and future was stolen from him. He will never get to score a goal in soccer. Have a sleepover with friends. Learn to clean a fish. Experience the thrill of a first kiss. Develop his intellect and apply it to a career. Have children and grow old with his family. All this, and so much more, will never happen for Mac. This makes us sad beyond words can describe."
"Please take the time and make the effort to appreciate and love the people in your life. Young and old. This is an ongoing and never ending exercise," they added.
Prosecutors had recommended a two-year sentence for Saad, arguing that would send a message that could deter others and potentially prevent similar tragedies. The defence asked for a one-year conditional sentence that would have been served in the community.
Sharon Gregson of the Coalition of Childcare Advocates said it's her hope that Saad is never able to "care for anybody's children ever again."
"When a person like this individual is deliberately being deceitful and greedy and putting money ahead of the care and wellbeing of children, then we can’t blame parents for being trusting," Gregson said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Shannon Paterson
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A plane crashes and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179
A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport Sunday, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board died in one of the country's worst aviation disasters.
Shark attack at Egyptian Red Sea resort kills 1 foreigner, injures another
A shark attack in Egypt's Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam has killed one foreigner and injured another, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment said in a statement Sunday.
Montreal motorist dead after 5-vehicle collision in Kirkland Lake: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police in Kirkland Lake, Ont., are investigating a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 11 that killed one person.
Olympic Games in 2026 on the horizon for world champion ski jumper Alex Loutitt
The words "why not me" are tattooed on the back of Alexandria Loutitt's hand between her thumb and wrist.
Rolex stolen from Keanu Reeves' LA home turns up in Chile
Police in Chile say they have recovered three watches belonging to 'John Wick' star Keanu Reeves – including a US$9,000 Rolex – that are thought to have been stolen from the actor's Los Angeles home in late 2023.
Canadian model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former 'Sports Illustrated' model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Trump appears to side with Musk, tech allies in debate over foreign workers roiling his supporters
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump appears to be siding with Elon Musk and his other backers in the tech industry as a dispute over immigration visas has divided his supporters.
Runway at Halifax airport resumes regular operations after landing incident
An aircraft incident at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport caused temporary delays to all flight operations Saturday night.
Ottawa OPP seizes $28K, suspected drug tablets following traffic stop on Highway 417
A traffic stop for impaired driving lead to the seizure of $28,000 and suspected drug tablets Saturday evening on Highway 417 in Ottawa, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Vancouver Island
-
Victoria police seek witnesses, additional victims after hit-and-run spree
A woman is facing seven charges after allegedly committing multiple hit-and-run crashes in a stolen vehicle while impaired, according to police in B.C.'s capital.
-
Vancouver man defrauded Chinese developers of US$500K, court rules
A Vancouver man has been ordered to pay more than US$500,000 after a B.C. Supreme Court judge found he had defrauded the would-be developers of a real estate project in China of that amount.
-
New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C.
Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived.
Kelowna
-
B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
-
B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
-
B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
Edmonton
-
Edmonton street photographer captures moments and people one frame at a time
A local photographer who is passionate about capturing moments in one-hundredth of a second embraced many styles of his trade before landing on one which truly represents his mantra: street photography.
-
2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning
RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake.
-
Olympic Games in 2026 on the horizon for world champion ski jumper Alex Loutitt
The words "why not me" are tattooed on the back of Alexandria Loutitt's hand between her thumb and wrist.
Calgary
-
1 arrested after 3 stabbed in Airdrie, including 2 youth
Airdrie RCMP have arrested a male in connection with multiple aggravated assaults that left three people injured.
-
Jonathan Huberdeau scores twice as Calgary Flames beat San Jose Sharks 3-1
Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice and the Calgary Flames beat San Jose 3-1 on Saturday night, handing the Sharks their seventh straight loss.
-
Olympic Games in 2026 on the horizon for world champion ski jumper Alex Loutitt
The words "why not me" are tattooed on the back of Alexandria Loutitt's hand between her thumb and wrist.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge Police investigating suspicious death inside motel room
Lethbridge Police are investigating after a body was found inside a southside motel room on Saturday.
-
Family and friends grieve death of 36-year-old Lethbridge man in motorcycle crash
Family members and friends are mourning the loss of a 36-year-old Lethbridge man killed in motorcycle crash just two days before Christmas.
-
Hurricanes launch second half of WHL season with 4-1 win over Hitmen
The Lethbridge Hurricanes kicked off the second half of the season with a win Friday night, topping the Calgary Hitmen 4-1.
Winnipeg
-
The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024
Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg.
-
Cross-country ski race returns to Windsor Park
The Prairie Holiday Loppet made its long-awaited return to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Saturday, with dozens of racers hitting the trails.
-
Have you seen Genevieve? RCMP search for woman last seen on Christmas Eve
Thompson RCMP are searching for a woman who went missing from Split Lake earlier this week.
Regina
-
Regina man showcases local bead supply business
Jeramy Hannah recently began selling beading supplies, after he realized the beaders in his life were struggling with a lack of local vendors, prompting him to create a business called Bead Bro.
-
'A great holiday memory': Echo Valley Provincial Park gets plenty of visitors at Skate the Park launch
Families and groups of friends made use of the good weather as the new season of Skate the Park got underway at Echo Valley Provincial Park.
-
Saskatoon
-
U18 provincials curling tournament underway in PA
Teams from across Saskatchewan are in Prince Albert for the U18 curling provincials.
-
Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon
A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon.
-
Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire
Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon.
Toronto
-
‘Significant rainfall,’ and heavy fog expected in the GTA, much of southern Ontario Sunday
It’s expected to be a foggy and rainy day across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Sunday, with as much as 30 mm of rain expected in some locations.
-
SIU investigating after Toronto cops discharge sock round, less-lethal firearm at man that resulted in serious injuries
The province’s police watchdog is investigating after Toronto officers discharged sock round and less-lethal firearm at a man who had allegedly stabbed another person in the city’s Rockcliffe-Smythe area on Saturday morning.
-
1 person in hospital, suspect in police custody following stabbing in Fairbank
One person is in hospital, and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing in Toronto’s Fairbank neighbourhood on Saturday.
Montreal
-
A woman seriously injured after a collision with a snowplough in Lanaudière
A woman was seriously injured following a collision with a snowplough in the Lanaudière region.
-
Earthquake near Maniwaki felt in Gatineau, Ottawa, and Pembroke
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Maniwaki, Que., on Sunday morning, according to Earthquake Canada.
-
At least two people die following a collision in Saint-Hyacinthe
Two people have lost their lives following a collision in Saint-Hyacinthe. The life of a third person is still at stake, says the Provincial police (SQ).
Ottawa
-
BREAKING NEWSBREAKING NEWS 4.1 magnitude earthquake in western Quebec felt in Ottawa and Montreal
The earth moved in the Maniwaki area this Sunday morning. No damage was reported after a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the Maniwaki area in western Quebec, according to Earthquakes Canada.
-
Clouds, rain, fog patches in the forecast for Ottawa this Sunday
Clouds, rain, fog patches and warmer-than-normal temperatures are in the forecast for Ottawa this Sunday.
-
Ottawa OPP seizes $28K, suspected drug tablets following traffic stop on Highway 417
A traffic stop for impaired driving lead to the seizure of $28,000 and suspected drug tablets Saturday evening on Highway 417 in Ottawa, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Atlantic
-
Runway at Halifax airport resumes regular operations after landing incident
An aircraft incident at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport caused temporary delays to all flight operations Saturday night.
-
Environment Canada forecasts mix of freezing rain and rain for parts of Maritimes
Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow.
-
No one injured after vehicle crashes into Shoppers Drug Mart: N.S. RCMP
RCMP is investigating after a vehicle crashed into a Shoppers Drug Mart in Lower Sackville, N.S. on Saturday.
London
-
Fatal crash in Middlesex County
Middlesex County OPP attended the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision in Strathroy-Caradoc early Sunday morning.
-
Rainfall warning in effect across midwestern Ontario
It’s a wet and gloomy day across the region. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, affecting much of Midwestern Ontario, including London-Middlesex, Huron-Perth, Grey-Bruce, Sarnia-Lambton, and Elgin County.
-
A plane crashes and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179
A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport Sunday, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board died in one of the country's worst aviation disasters.
Kitchener
-
Cambridge industrial plant dealing with major damages after fire
A fire Saturday morning has a Cambridge industrial plant dealing with major damage.
-
A plane crashes and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179
A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport Sunday, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board died in one of the country's worst aviation disasters.
-
Minor flooding possible with snow melt, rain on way: GRCA
The Waterloo Region and the city of Guelph will be wrapping up 2024 with unusually warm weather over the weekend.
Northern Ontario
-
Pair of 911 calls leads to two impaired driving arrests in three hours
A pair of 911 calls from concerned citizens led to two separate impaired driving charges in a single northern Ontario town within three hours.
-
Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay
Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia.
-
Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont.
A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges.
N.L.
-
Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
-
Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
-
Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
