B.C. massage therapist who commented on size of patient’s breasts banned for 10 years

A Victoria-based massage therapist who commented on the size of a patient's breasts has been banned from practising for 10 years.

Paul Christopher signed a consent agreement with the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. admitting to his behaviour.

According to a June 29 college decision, Christopher commented on the size of the patient's breast in January 2020.

He also made comments with respect to her personal life and asked how she met her boyfriend and made comments about his online dating profile.

Christopher also admitted to unbuttoning his shorts and shirt prior to treatment and performing the massage with his shorts and shirt unbuttoned.

However, according to a January 2020 CTV report, the patient saw Christopher with his shirt unbuttoned and hand in his pants. The patient told CTV she pushed him out of the massage therapy room and called the police.

The decision said police launched an investigation but in March 2020 Crown prosecutors decided not to proceed with charges.

Christopher, who had been practising massage therapy for more than 20 years, resigned two days after the incident.

The decision said that while Christopher had already resigned it was important for public protection that there be a formal cancellation of his registration and a disciplinary order.

Christopher was also fined $500.

He won't be able to reapply for registration at a massage therapist until 2032.

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