Amherst, N.S., doctor pleads not guilty to charge of voyeurism

The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre near Amherst, N.S., is seen on Aug. 21, 2025. (Callum Smith/CTV Atlantic)

A doctor in the Amherst, N.S., area has pleaded not guilty to a charge of voyeurism.

The Amherst Police Department said it received a complaint about Dr. Keith Short on May 7.

Short was arrested on May 29 and charged with one count of voyeurism.

Police did not release any details about the complaint against him.

Defence counsel appeared on Short’s behalf Monday and entered a plea of not guilty.

A trial is set to start on April 29, 2027, in Amherst provincial court.

Short was released on an undertaking to police on May 26 and a variation was granted by the court on Monday.

The Crown’s application for a publication ban was also granted on anything that may identify the alleged victim.

Doctor suspended pending investigation

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia told CTV News Atlantic it imposed an interim suspension on Short after learning about the charge.

“The imposition of an interim suspension is an extraordinary measure and is imposed in cases to protect the public interest,” said Dr. Gus Grant, registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, in an emailed statement on June 11.

“An interim suspension is not a disciplinary finding but rather a safeguard as our investigation proceeds.”

Grant added the charges against Short have not been proven in court.

According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Short’s specialty is family medicine, but he is also qualified to work in palliative care.

The business address listed under his registration details is the palliative care department at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett.

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