$30 million settlement reached in B.C. class-action sex assault suit against two Catholic schools

A $30 million settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit against Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate in British Columbia, concerning allegations of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse suffered by former students. The lawsuit stemmed from actions by members of the Christian Brothers, who were transferred to the schools between 1976 and 1983 after allegations of abuse at a Newfoundland orphanage, Mount Cashel. The Supreme Court of B.C. had previously approved the class-action format to address numerous related cases.

The claim alleges that senior Christian Brothers knowingly transferred abusive members to the Vancouver schools, and that abuse continued there. Four former and current Christian Brothers, along with three Catholic authorities, were named in the action. Allegations include sexual assault, physical abuse with objects like straps and wood, and requests for inappropriate photographs.

Both Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate have issued statements acknowledging the settlement and reaffirming their commitment to reconciliation and restorative justice. Four of the transferred Christian Brothers were later convicted of crimes related to the abuse at Mount Cashel.

(Source：Vancouver Sun)