PEACE RIVER — On Feb. 27, a northern Alberta teacher, Brock Mackenzie Whalen, was convicted of sex crimes against a minor. He was initially charged on Oct. 1, 2024, with six counts. The offences occurred from Sept. 1, 2018, to Aug. 30, 2022, dates inclusive.
The case began in June 2023 when McLennan RCMP, assisted by Alberta's Integrated Child Exploitation Unit, both Central and Western Alberta District (WAD) General Investigation Sections (GIS) and WAD Crime Reduction Unit, responded to a report of sexual offences against a youth. The offences took place while the youth was attending a school in the High Prairie School Division (HPSD). Whalen was a resident of Peace River, Alta., at the time, says the RCMP report.
The RCMP report states Whalen has been employed by several school districts in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, including HPSD, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, Saskatoon Public School Division (2013 and 2015) and the Lloydminster Public School Division (2014).
The report also states his employment across two provinces and at multiple school divisions raises concern about potential additional victims who may not have come forward.
The charges listed in the court indictment included using telecommunication to communicate with someone who was, or the accused believed to be a minor at the time, for the purpose of committing criminal acts. Transmitting, making available, distributing or selling sexually explicit material to the victim for the purpose of committing criminal acts, and sexually assaulting the victim.
The offences were committed at or near Peace River, Alta. The victim was under sixteen years old.
Whalen pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2025, and was convicted five months later. He was present on bail both at the time of his charge and conviction.
Whalen was sentenced to four years prison on the first count of his charge which was communicating with a minor by means of telecommunication for the purpose of committing criminal acts.
The other five counts, including the sexual assault charge were dismissed. The sexual assault charge is listed in the court indictment as having maximum sentence of 10 years in prison while the other five of the six counts are listed to have a maximum of 14 years in prison, including the first count for which he pled guilty and was convicted.
In addition to the prison sentence, Whalen was given a DNA order and 20 years SOIRA (Sex Offender Information Registrations Act).
He was also given an order under Section 161 of the Criminal Code of Canada for 10 years, which restricts his access to places such as parks, playgrounds, schools or daycares. It also restricts his internet access and prevents him from being able to work with children.
HPSD issued the following statement: “We were made aware of the charges that were laid in 2024 against a former High Prairie School Division teacher and the purported sentencing this year. We extended our heartfelt thoughts to those affected by this matter and wish to respect their right to privacy. We have no other comments on this matter.”
