Billionaire businessman and Magna founder Frank Stronach is facing a new legal challenge as a woman has filed a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted her in 1986 while she was a student sponsored by his company. The claim adds to a growing list of legal troubles for the 92-year-old, who is already awaiting trial on multiple criminal charges related to alleged sexual misconduct spanning decades.
Filed in June, the statement of claim by Jane Boon accuses Stronach of sexually assaulting her at a company-owned guest house after a corporate holiday party in Toronto. Boon alleges she was given alcohol during the event—held at a restaurant owned by Stronach—before being taken to the guest house, where he allegedly undressed and assaulted her without consent.
Boon also alleges that Magna, the auto parts giant Stronach founded, was aware of potential risks posed to young women under its sponsorship but failed to take any steps to protect them. At the time, Stronach was Magna’s controlling shareholder and a key figure in its leadership.
The allegations, which have not been proven in court, are being met with firm denials. Stronach’s civil lawyer, Sarit Batner, said he “strenuously denies the allegations and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.” Magna has declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.
Stronach is already facing 18 criminal charges—including sexual assault and indecent assault—connected to 13 complainants. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on 12 of those counts in Toronto early next year, with a separate trial to follow in Newmarket. Boon is not among the complainants in the criminal proceedings, which remain under a standard publication ban protecting their identities.
According to the lawsuit, Boon had declined an initial offer to stay overnight at the corporate guest house but was later persuaded—under pressure and concern for her professional future—after Stronach told his driver she was too intoxicated to drive back to Guelph. Once there, she alleges, Stronach assaulted her.
The claim details the long-term emotional and psychological impact of the alleged assault on Boon’s life, stating the trauma has had “significant ongoing negative consequences.”
The case adds to growing scrutiny surrounding Stronach’s legacy, as one of Canada’s most prominent business figures faces mounting legal challenges tied to allegations of abuse dating back as far as the 1970s.
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