Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate Abuse Class Action
Reviewed by Marty Mikhail, lawyer licensed by the Law Society of OntarioLast verified How we verify
Status
Claims openClaim deadline
About this claim
If you were a student at Vancouver College between 1976 and 2013 or at St. Thomas More Collegiate between 1976 and 1989 and experienced physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a current or former Christian Brother, you may be eligible for compensation from a $30 million settlement fund based on an individual assessment of your claim. You do not need to live in British Columbia to file a claim. Eligibility is based on meeting the class definition, not on where you live today.
Who may be eligible
- You were enrolled at Vancouver College between 1976 and 2013, or at St. Thomas More Collegiate between 1976 and 1989.
- You claim to have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a current or former member of the Christian Brothers.
See the questions the eligibility checker asks
The checker asks these questions. Use the Check Eligibility button to answer them and see a result.
- Were you enrolled at Vancouver College between 1976 and 2013, or at St. Thomas More Collegiate between 1976 and 1989?
- Did you experience physical, sexual, or psychological abuse by a current or former member of the Christian Brothers while a student there?The Christian Brothers are members of the Christian Brothers of Ireland in Canada who worked at these schools.
Read more
In February 2021, a class action was started in British Columbia over claims that students at Vancouver College (1976 to 2013) and St. Thomas More Collegiate (1976 to 1989) were physically, sexually, or psychologically abused by current or former members of the Christian Brothers. The lawsuit claims the schools and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver failed to protect students from this abuse and are responsible for it.
A settlement was reached with Vancouver College Ltd., St. Thomas More Collegiate Ltd., and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver, who agreed to pay a total of CAD $30 million. The court approved the settlement on July 30, 2026. The lawsuit continues against the remaining defendants, including four alleged abusers and their superior.
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.
Tier 1 (simplified process)
For Class Members whose abuse had less severe or short-term effects on their life. You only need to complete the Claim Form and sign the sworn declaration; no formal interview is required.
Payment: $30,000 maximum
Proof: No proof needed
Who qualifies
- You experienced physical, psychological, or sexual abuse that had less severe or short-term effects on your life.
Tier 2 (more rigorous process)
For Class Members whose abuse had moderate to severe effects on their life. In addition to the Claim Form, this process requires an interview with the Claims Administrator and more evidence, such as relevant medical, employment, or tax records in your possession, or authorizations allowing the Administrator to obtain them, and names of witnesses.
Payment: No set limit on total compensation; $1,000,000 maximum for loss of income and loss of earning capacity
Proof: Documents required
Who qualifies
- You experienced physical, psychological, or sexual abuse that had moderate to severe effects on your life.
How to Submit Your Claim
- Submit by Email[email protected]
- Submit by Mailc/o BC Christian Brothers Claims Process, CFM Lawyers LLP, 400-856 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5
- Submit Onlinehttps://www.bcchristianbrothersclaims.ca
Claim Administrator
- CFM Lawyers LLP
- Phone1-800-639-0225
- Email[email protected]
- Websitehttps://www.bcchristianbrothersclaims.ca
Class Counsel
- CFM Lawyers LLP
- Email[email protected]
- Phone1-800-639-0225
- Mailc/o BC Christian Brothers Claims Process, CFM Lawyers LLP, 400-856 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5
- Websitehttps://www.bcchristianbrothersclaims.ca
Class members can get free help with their claim from the claims administrator listed above.
Settlement Notices
Opting out
The deadline to opt out was and has passed. Opting out is no longer available. Class members who did not opt out remain in the class and are bound by the outcome.
Objecting
The deadline to object was and has passed. Objections can no longer be filed. The court considers the objections it received when deciding whether to approve the settlement.
Remind me before this claim closes
Drop in your email and you'll get two reminders before the Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate Abuse Class Action deadline of : one 30 days out, one 7 days out. That's it. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation can I receive?
Each claim is assessed individually based on the harm you experienced. Tier 1 is a simplified process with a $30,000 maximum. Tier 2 has no set limit on total compensation, but compensation for loss of income and earning capacity is capped at $1,000,000. If the total value of all assessed claims exceeds the available funds, payments will be reduced proportionately.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
Claims for the Primary Fund must be submitted by 11:59 pm Pacific Time on September 13, 2027. Claim forms sent by mail must be postmarked by that date.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Late claims received by September 11, 2028 may still receive compensation from a smaller reserve Secondary Fund. Claims filed after September 11, 2028 may not be eligible for compensation.
Do I need to provide documents to support my claim?
For Tier 1, you only need to complete the Claim Form and sign its declaration; if you have records verifying your school attendance, you are asked to attach them if available. For Tier 2, you will be interviewed and may need to provide relevant documents such as medical, employment, or tax records, or sign authorizations letting the Claims Administrator obtain them.
When will payments be made?
After the September 13, 2027 Primary Fund deadline passes and claims are assessed, the Claims Administrator will seek court approval to distribute the Primary Fund. There may also be earlier partial distributions depending on the number and severity of claims received.
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