A Welland-based proponent for those suffering from mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness says he is stepping away from the political fray, at least for a brief respite.
Steven Soos, who pushed hard for the state of emergency declaration in Niagara, informed PelhamToday that he is taking a hiatus from political life “temporarily,” in order to focus on his “recovery from significant health complications that arose from my previous drug-addiction issues,” and while dealing with mischief charges filed by Niagara Regional Police.
Soos had been toying with the idea of running in the upcoming federal election in Niagara Centre, either as a candidate for the NDP, or as an independent. But that’s on the back burner now. He also said that he was taking measures to “transition back into the workforce,” and has been busy sending out job applications, and building a client list.
But Soos has another issue on his plate which is a significant concern. On August 17 he was arrested and charged by the Niagara Regional Police Service on two counts of mischief, and was released on bail following a hearing the following day. He is slated to appear in a Welland courtroom on September 22.
The first count relates to a call allegedly made by Soos earlier in the summer.
“On June 14th, 2023, the Communications Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service received a telephone call from an individual who reported an emergency situation at a specified address,” NRPS Media Relations Officer Barry Ravenek told PelhamToday. “Uniformed officers responded and determined the information provided was not accurate.”
Ravenek said a second call, which precipitated Soos’ arrest, came in mid August.
“On August 11th, 2023, the Communications Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service received a telephone call from an individual who again reported an emergency situation at a specified address. Uniformed officers responded and determined the information provided was not accurate. Investigation has determined the caller in both instances was Steven Michael Soos (29) of Welland. He was arrested on August 17th, 2023, and charged with Public Mischief (two counts), in accordance with the Criminal Code of Canada.”
Soos told PelhamToday that his cellphone was taken by police at the time of his arrest, which Ravenek would not confirm.
“Your question surrounding the seizure of a cellphone relates to the ongoing investigation and therefore I am unable to confirm if a phone was indeed seized.”
Soos has retained Andrew Burton, a St. Catharines-based criminal lawyer, to represent him in court, and said he is prepared to fight the NRPS mischief charge aggressively.
“It's ridiculous. An individual has been tormenting me, my family, my ex-girlfriend. He made me into a drug slave. He pushed cocaine-laced fentanyl on me, and he ruined my life. I am not guilty. It's such an erosion of public trust, to be arrested for making a legitimate 911 complaint about a guy who was [driving drunk]. I feel that my Charter rights were violated by the police. The police swept all this under the rug for over two years. There are multiple witnesses who know about him harassing me. He's uttered death threats. I don't deserve the smear to my reputation. It's the police trying to criminalize me. They continue to propagate discrimination and racism against me as an Indigenous person. They don’t listen to my side, or pursue evidence that I have provided. I've been tormented. It's affected my mental health. This is not fair, and I’m going to fight for my good name.”
Soos also asserts that he was assaulted by an NRP special constable while in custody, which he said he reported to the authorities.
“I have made multiple attempts to bring up these issues to the Niagara Regional Police Board, and I was straight up ignored,” he said.
For now, Soos said he is moving on to a new venture, called Soos Dynasty Political Consulting.
“I think it will be very successful. People need an advocate, right? Politicians have now got a pit bull for hire,” he said with a laugh. “Got a problem with Trudeau? Unhappy with Ford? Integrity Commissioner got you down? Call my consulting firm. Having absolved myself of ownership of True Politics Media, I also currently considering bringing back the popular Niagara conglomerate under the new name ‘Advocates with Steven Roman Soos,’” he said.
Soos said he is also organizing a charity boxing match versus a yet-to-be named political opponent, with proceeds directed to a children's mental health organization. He also plans to continue in his role as chair of the City of Welland’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
