Proposed $30M settlement reached in Canada class action lawsuit over alleged school abuse

A $30 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit involving abuse claims connected to Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, primarily from the late 1970s and 1980s.

The proposed settlement was agreed to by the plaintiffs and three defendants: Vancouver College Limited, St. Thomas More Collegiate Ltd., and the Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver.

Under the terms of the agreement, the settlement resolves disputed claims and does not constitute an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the defendants. The agreement also states it must not be interpreted as proof of the allegations in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit stems from a proposed class action filed in British Columbia Supreme Court in 2021 alleging negligence and breach of fiduciary duty in connection with claims of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse by members and former members of the Christian Brothers.

As previously reported by The B.C. Catholic, the suit alleged that between 1976 and 1983 six men connected to abuse at the Mount Cashel Orphanage in St. John’s, Newfoundland, were transferred to Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate, both operated at the time by the Christian Brothers.

The lead plaintiff, Darren Liptrot, alleges he was sexually abused while attending Vancouver College from 1980 to 1985. On March 8, 2023, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruled the case could proceed as a class action.

The settlement must still be approved by the court. Former students who may be affected are now being notified and given an opportunity to comment before a judge decides whether the agreement is fair and reasonable.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver said in a statement this week: “The Archdiocese of Vancouver extends its heartfelt sympathy to all survivors of abuse. We hope the increased attention surrounding this case may encourage other survivors to come forward and seek the healing and support they deserve.”

Vancouver College said it hopes the proposed settlement represents “an important step forward” and reaffirmed its commitment to a trauma-informed reconciliation process. The school said it believes in “truth and restorative justice” and supports ensuring that victims of abuse have their experiences heard to facilitate healing and understanding.

St. Thomas More Collegiate likewise said it is committed to “working with — and walking alongside — survivors” and supporting their journey.

The settlement establishes a claims process intended to be “accessible and trauma-informed.” It applies to former students who attended Vancouver College between 1976 and 2013 or St. Thomas More Collegiate between 1976 and 1989 and who say they experienced abuse while at the schools.

Compensation will be distributed through two tiers. Tier 1 offers a simplified claims process with compensation capped at $30,000. Tier 2 allows for a more detailed assessment. Compensation for loss of income and earning capacity is capped at $1 million, while other damages are not capped.

A settlement approval hearing is scheduled for April 30 and May 1 at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver. Members of the public have until April 16 to submit written comments or objections regarding the settlement terms, proposed honoraria for the representative plaintiffs, or legal fees, which are proposed at up to one-third of the fund.

If the court approves the agreement, the claims process is expected to begin later in 2026 and will be administered by CFM Lawyers LLP, subject to court approval.

Survivors will have one year from the start of the claims process to apply for the main compensation fund. A smaller reserve fund will remain open for an additional 12 months to assist those who miss the primary deadline.

The settlement does not resolve claims against several non-settling defendants, including the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s and individuals named in the lawsuit.

This story was first published by The B.C. Catholic and is reprinted here with permission.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/americas/proposed-usd30m-settlement-in-british-columbia-class-action-over-alleged-school-abuse