Canadian business titan Frank Stronach loves speaking out. Whether defending his business with irritated shareholders, bending the ear of political bigwigs, expounding on money, industry, governance — almost anything­ — he didn’t become a household name by keeping quiet.

After a startling announcement by Peel Regional Police that Stronach, now 91, was criminally charged with rape, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault, and forcible confinement, he was still prepared to talk.