Unfortunately, some people can see things differently than others. Its not clear cut as to the definition of a design flaw. If a product does not work forever, is it because of a design flaw?
If a product works for a period of time beyond the warranty, is it a design flaw? We'd all like our items to work forever, but it does not happen.
Where we worked, a person who was not qualified and did not understand the technical issues started up a web site and was notifying newspapers of a big problem, and showed a stolen video of a test of the product bursting into flames. We were, in fact, trying to test the design limits and see what it took to do just that. We then modified the product so it could pass that test. The person had left the company by then and did not have the complete picture, much less a understanding of what he saw. The newspaper reporters asked what the issue was, and we brought them in and showed them everything, the failures and the fix. Of course, the person involved then accused them of being bought off. Some people are that way, so its best to investigate rather than spreading information that might be incomplete, or even biased.
Since CR is not a investigative agency, it might be best to turn it over to a newspaper or Attorney General, or both. Since Canon USA is in New York, that state might be a place to start. Same with Canada, start in Ontario. Let them investigate or at least ask for a explanation first.
I'd be one who was very cautious about releasing stolen documents that can't be confirmed. I'd suggest to the leaker that he submit them to someone else, maybe he has and the others found them to be unreliable?