Saint John Estabrooks Abuse Class Action
Reviewed by Marty Mikhail, lawyer licensed by the Law Society of OntarioLast verified How we verify
Status
Claims openEstimated Payout
$16.5 million fund
Claim deadline
About this claim
If you were harmed by sexual abuse committed by Kenneth Estabrooks in Saint John between 1953 and 1975 while he was a City of Saint John police officer, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a $16.5 million settlement fund. You do not need to live in New Brunswick to file a claim. Eligibility is based on meeting the class definition, not on where you live today.
See the questions the eligibility checker asks
The checker asks these questions. Use the Check Eligibility button to answer them and see a result.
- Did you suffer harm as a result of being sexually abused by Kenneth Estabrooks?
- Did the sexual abuse occur in the City of Saint John?
- Did the sexual abuse occur between January 1, 1953 and November 1, 1975?
- Did the sexual abuse occur while Kenneth Estabrooks was a City of Saint John police officer?
- Did you previously opt out of this lawsuit?If you never validly excluded yourself from this class action, answer No.
- Did you previously settle a lawsuit against the City of Saint John relating to the same abuse?
Psychological harm (optional additional claim)
- Do you suffer from an eligible psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, resulting from the abuse?
- Can you provide a diagnosis or documentation of that psychological harm occurring after the abuse?
Read more
Kenneth Estabrooks was a police officer employed by the City of Saint John, New Brunswick. A class action lawsuit was brought against the City on behalf of people who were sexually abused by Estabrooks between January 1, 1953 and November 1, 1975. The Court found the City of Saint John vicariously liable for the harm suffered by people abused by Estabrooks while he was a Saint John police officer.
On March 12, 2026, the New Brunswick Court of King's Bench approved a settlement of the class action. The City of Saint John will pay a settlement fund of $16.5 million to compensate eligible class members, along with certain fees and expenses. KPMG has been appointed as the Administrator to decide all claims through a confidential claims process designed to provide restorative justice while minimizing further trauma.
Claim types
This case covers more than one type of claim. Each has its own payment, proof requirements, and eligibility. Review the type that applies to you.
Sexual abuse
Compensation for harm from being sexually abused by Kenneth Estabrooks in Saint John between January 1, 1953 and November 1, 1975 while he was a City of Saint John police officer. You do not need to provide documents proving the abuse; you describe what happened in a sworn declaration on the Claim Form and attach a copy of one valid government-issued photo ID.
Payment: Depends on the nature of the harm suffered and the number of approved claims
Proof: ID required
Who qualifies
- You suffered harm as a result of being sexually abused by Kenneth Estabrooks
- The abuse occurred in the City of Saint John between January 1, 1953 and November 1, 1975
- The abuse occurred while Kenneth Estabrooks was a City of Saint John police officer
Psychological harm (optional additional claim)
Optional additional compensation for class members who suffer from an eligible psychological harm (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, eating disorder, sleep disorder, substance use disorder, anger issues, self-harming, sexual dysfunction, intimacy problems, or other personality or psychotic disorders) resulting from the abuse.
Proof: Documents required
Who qualifies
- You are claiming for sexual abuse under the settlement
- You have a diagnosis or documentation of an eligible psychological harm that occurred after the abuse
How to Submit Your Claim
- Submit by Email[email protected]
- Submit by MailKPMG Inc., 600 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite 1500, KPMG Tower, Montréal QC H3A 0A3, Attention: Administrator of Saint John Estabrooks Abuse Class Action
- In personKPMG Inc., City Hall Building, Suite 501, 15 Market Square, Saint John NB E2L 1E8
Claim Administrator
- KPMG Inc.
- Administrator inquiries1-855-609-2759
- Websitehttps://saintjohnclassaction.kpmg.ca
- Email[email protected]
- Mail600 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Suite 1500, KPMG Tower Montréal QC H3A 0A3 Attention: Administrator of Saint John Estabrooks Abuse Class Action
Class Counsel
- Koskie Minsky LLP
- Email[email protected]
- Phone1-866-777-6323
- Mail20 Queen Street West, Suite 900, Box 52, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3R3
- McKiggan Hebert Lawyers
- Email[email protected]
- Phone902-423-2050
- Mail1959 Upper Water St. #502, Purdy's Wharf Tower 1, Halifax, NS B3J 3N2
Class members can get free help with their claim from the claims administrator listed above.
Settlement Notices
Remind me before this claim closes
Drop in your email and you'll get two reminders before the Saint John Estabrooks Abuse Class Action deadline of : one 30 days out, one 7 days out. That's it. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I receive?
There is a settlement fund of $16.5 million. The amount paid for each approved claim will depend on the nature of the harm each class member suffered and the number of claims that are approved.
What is the deadline to make a claim?
Your Claim Form must be submitted on or before April 13, 2027. The Administrator has limited ability to consider late claims received within three months after that date if you provide a reasonable written explanation, but as of July 13, 2027 it will be too late for your claim to be considered.
Do I need to provide proof of the abuse?
If you are claiming for sexual abuse for yourself, you do not need to provide documents proving the abuse; you complete a sworn declaration on the Claim Form and attach a copy of one valid government-issued photo ID. If you also choose to claim for a psychological harm, you must provide a diagnosis or documentation of an eligible psychological harm, and estate representatives claiming for a deceased class member must provide proof of legal authority and supporting evidence.
What happens after I submit my claim?
The Administrator may contact you if more information is needed, will review your claim, and will decide if you are eligible for compensation. When all claims have been processed, the Administrator will contact you with the result of your claim. All information you provide is kept strictly confidential.
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