200 alleged victims of Vancouver-area Catholic school abuse could share $30M

A $30-million class-action settlement has been proposed to compensate over 200 former students of Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate for alleged abuse committed by six members of the Christian Brothers. These individuals, previously convicted of abuse at Mount Cashel Orphanage in Newfoundland and Labrador, were transferred to the Vancouver-area schools. The lawsuit alleges decades of sexual and physical abuse occurring between 1976 and 2013.

Joe Fiorante, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the complexities of the settlement process, balancing the desire for a substantial monetary amount with the potential for prolonged litigation and the fact that some victims have already passed away. The settlement awaits court approval, with a hearing scheduled for April 30th in B.C. Supreme Court.

Both Vancouver College and the Archdiocese of Vancouver have confirmed the settlement and expressed commitment to reconciliation and restorative justice. The class-action was initiated by Darren Liptrot, a former student who experienced abuse from Brother Edward English, and the firm is now seeking to connect with eligible victims to begin the claim process after court approval.

(Source：BayToday)