A landmark $30 million settlement has been finalized in a class-action lawsuit targeting two prominent Catholic schools in Vancouver, following allegations of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse spanning several decades. The resolution, which avoids a trial, involves Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate and is pending court approval, as detailed in a recent settlement notice.
Background of the Legal Action
The Supreme Court of British Columbia authorized the class-action lawsuit three years ago, initiated by former students who claimed abuse by members of the Christian Brothers, a global Catholic religious community. These individuals were transferred to the Vancouver institutions between 1976 and 1983 from Mount Cashel, an orphanage in Newfoundland notorious for widespread abuse.
Key Defendants and Allegations
The lawsuit names four Christian Brothers—Edward English, Joseph Burke, Douglas Kenny, and Gerard Gabriel McHugh—along with three Catholic authorities. It alleges that senior Christian Brothers orchestrated the transfers despite awareness of the abuse at Mount Cashel, leading to further misconduct at the Vancouver schools.
According to a 2023 ruling by Justice Simon Coval, the class action was deemed the most effective method to address the numerous related cases. The claim asserts that the transferees and other Christian Brothers continued to abuse students at both Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate.
School Responses and Statements
In statements posted on their websites, both schools acknowledged the settlement. Vancouver College expressed hope that this resolution marks a significant step forward, emphasizing their commitment to a trauma-informed reconciliation process. "We believe in truth and restorative justice," the statement read, underscoring the importance of hearing victims' experiences to foster healing and understanding.
Historical Context and Convictions
The case traces back to a controversial agreement uncovered in the late 1980s, involving the Newfoundland government, police, and Mount Cashel orphanage. This deal facilitated the transfer of six Christian Brothers out of the province in exchange for a limited investigation into abuse allegations, which later sparked a Royal Commission and criminal charges.
Four of the six transferred Christian Brothers were subsequently convicted for crimes at the orphanage. Gerard Gabriel McHugh, who served as provincial superior for Canada from 1972 to 1978 and directed both Vancouver schools during that period, is alleged to have known about this agreement.
Specific Abuse Allegations
Detailed accounts from former students highlight the severity of the abuse. One Vancouver College student from 1980 to 1985 reported sexual abuse by Edward English over two years, while another described being assaulted with a strap and piece of wood between 1976 and 1977, along with being asked to pose shirtless for photos. A separate allegation involves sexual assault by Joseph Burke from 1985 to 1987, with similar claims made at St. Thomas More Collegiate.
This settlement represents a critical milestone in addressing historical injustices within educational institutions, aiming to provide closure and support for the victims involved.
