Major $36 Million Settlement Approved for Nova Scotia Deaf School Abuse Victims

Post by : Mina Rahman

The Halifax courtroom buzzed with emotions on Friday as a Supreme Court judge granted approval for a settlement linked to a class action lawsuit concerning abuse at two deaf schools.

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Peter Rosinski sanctioned a $36 million compensation package for individuals who attended the School for the Deaf in Halifax and the Interprovincial School for the Education of the Deaf in Amherst, operational from 1913 to 1995.

Initiated in 2015, the lawsuit followed allegations from former students regarding physical, sexual, and emotional maltreatment received at these institutions. Authorities including the Attorney General of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority were charged with negligence in their duty to protect students.

Michael Perrier, one of the lead plaintiffs, expressed that the decision was a long-awaited relief. “Finally, we have our answer. This is the outcome we have been yearning for,” he remarked.

Another representative, Richard Martell, pointed out that acknowledging the abuse is a step toward healing for former students. “Today was emotional, and I feel a weight lifted. Now we can start to move forward,” he shared.

The settlement allocates $36 million to class members, an additional $3 million for collective benefits such as educational programs and interpretation services, along with $2.5 million devoted to settlement administration costs.

Perrier noted that this compensation will benefit those who faced educational setbacks and enduring hardships. “Our childhoods were taken from us. Many deaf individuals are stuck in low-paying jobs when they could have reached so much more,” he explained.

Ray Wagner of Wagners Law Firm, which spearheaded the lawsuit, described the agreement as “historic,” indicating that it likely stands as the largest class action settlement in Nova Scotia’s history, with roughly 900 individuals qualifying for compensation.

The provincial authorities, along with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority, are also expected to issue a public apology in the near future.