New assault allegations emerge against staff member at Sask. private Christian school
Saskatoon police and the provincial education ministry confirmed they’re investigating new allegations of assault at a private Christian school embroiled in a $25 million lawsuit claiming a history of abuse.
In a statement to CTV News on Monday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said it’s aware of the allegations that a staff member at Legacy Christian Academy assaulted a young student, and it is investigating.
The Saskatoon Police Service also confirmed it was investigating a report of an assault involving a staff member of the school.
A spokesperson would not confirm details of the investigation, but said police received the report on June 1.
CTV News contacted Legacy Christian Academy about the latest allegation and has not yet received a response.
The private Christian school is at the centre of a civil lawsuit and several former staff members are facing criminal charges.
Roughly two dozen officials from Legacy Christian Academy and its affiliated Mile Two Church are named in a $25 million class action lawsuit launched by former students who allege they were subject to physical, psychological and sexual abuse at school.
The allegations in the lawsuit have yet to be tested in court.
In January, the school’s former athletic director Aaron Benneweis was sentenced to two years less a day for sexually assaulting a student when she was between 13 and 16-years-old.
Three other former staff members, including a past principal of the school, are also facing criminal charges.
In the past, school officials embraced the idea of using paddles to administer discipline to students.
In a letter to the ministry obtained by CTV News in April, a former vice-principal announced Legacy Christian Academy would be closing by June 30, as the swirling legal issues had made it difficult to recruit new students.
At that time, the ministry confirmed the Mile Two Church-affiliated Westdale Christian School would be relocating to the facility currently occupied by Legacy Christian Academy.
The relocation of Westdale wouldn’t quite represent a transformation for the school — Westdale is an offshoot of City Centre Church, which was opened by former Mile Two Church elder James Randall.
According to an internal Mile Two Church document, shared with CTV News last year, Randall was called back to help manage the church in June 2023 after its pastor Brien Johnson stepped down.
Johnson’s father, Keith, was the pastor and head of the school when much of the abuse allegedly took place.
Both Keith Johnson and Randall are named defendants in the civil lawsuit. Johnson has not been located since the lawsuit launched, but he is believed to be in Texas.
The provincial NDP’s education critic Matt Love described the closure of Legacy as more of a “rebrand" for the embattled independent school.
“This independent school has a history of abuse and the Sask. Party still increased their funding more than our public, Catholic and French schools got,” he said.
The ministry said it provided $759,825 in funding to Legacy for the 2023 - 24 school year, "provided at a rate of 50 per cent of the per-student average based on the number of students in their school."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stellantis recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles to fix software glitch that disables rear camera
Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a software glitch that can disable the rearview cameras.
Canada sanctions 13 more Russians for role in Navalny's imprisonment and death
Canada is sanctioning 13 more Russians from the intelligence service, police force and corrections system for their role in the poisoning, imprisonment and death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
South Korean soldiers fire warning shots after North Korean troops cross border, apparently in error
South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the rivals' heavily fortified land border Tuesday for the second time this month, the South's military said. Both incursions were believed to be unintentional.
Staples stores begin accepting Amazon returns under new partnership
Canadians can now return their Amazon orders through Staples. The e-commerce giant says the office supply retailer's 298 stores are now equipped to handle Amazon returns.
3 people dead, including gunman, after shooting in Toronto office space: police
The gunman who killed a man and a woman is among the deceased after a triple shooting inside an office space near a daycare and a school in North York on Monday afternoon, according to police.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE 'They were literally feral': Demands for answers in horrific B.C. case of child neglect
A horrific case of child neglect involving three young children has their extended family in northern B.C. demanding answers.
Ottawa couple's loan payments more than double after new company takes over financing
An Ottawa couple is sharing their buyer beware story and the importance of reading the fine print in contracts, following a shocking price hike and interest rate adjustment for their home furnace financing.
Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during Biden's Los Angeles trip, police say
A U.S. Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint as President Joe Biden was visiting Los Angeles for a fundraising event over the weekend, officials said.
Gordon Ramsay says he's 'lucky' to be alive, shows off severe bruising after cycling accident
Gordon Ramsay says he’s grateful to be alive but shaken after a recent cycling accident in Connecticut.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
Sask. Party blocks full investigation into speaker allegations, opposition criticizes move
A full investigation into allegations made by legislative Speaker Randy Weekes against Sask. Party MLAs, including former Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison, has been blocked – much to the opposition's disappointment.
-
'Would be a very big loss': Regina residents opposed to allowing vehicles on Scarth Street Mall
For nearly 50 years, Scarth Street Mall has been for pedestrians only. It was deemed a walk-in corridor after a bylaw was passed all the way back in 1975.
-
Highway 1 crash causes significant traffic hang-up east of Regina
A crash on Highway 1 just east of Regina was the cause of significant traffic delays on Monday.
Winnipeg
-
'A very heinous event': Teenage girls sexually assaulted during break-in
A Winnipeg man faces a slew of charges after police say he broke into an apartment building and sexually assaulted two teenage girls minutes after trying to break into another home nearby.
-
RCMP searching for three missing children, mother reported missing in Ontario last year
Manitoba RCMP are asking for help from the public to find an Ontario mother who is wanted for allegedly abducting her three children in December 2023.
-
Winnipeggers battling 'super mosquitoes' after wet weather causes spike
The city’s wet weather has led to a spike in the mosquito population, and with more rain in the forecast, the swarms are expected to keep on growing.
Edmonton
-
Connor McDavid led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final. They need even more from him to stay alive
Connor McDavid led the Edmonton Oilers out of a horrendous start, all the way to the playoffs and into the Stanley Cup Final.
-
'Do you guys have tickets?': How a nightmare of a road trip turned into Stanley Cup Final front-row seats for father and daughter
A road trip for a father and daughter that began as a nightmare quickly turned into a dream come true for the pair thanks to a couple of generous Oilers fans.
-
Frost Advisory for central and north-central Alberta
A chilly morning is on tap for most of central and north-central Alberta Tuesday.
Calgary
-
'Happy to help': Replacement pipes start journey from San Diego to Calgary
Twelve days after a massive water main broke in Calgary, a pair of replacement pipes from San Diego will start a multi-day journey heading north to help crews here repair five sections.
-
'Minimum standards': Alberta Education bans personal mobile devices in classrooms
Starting next school year, students will have limits placed on their personal mobile devices, which officials say can harm student achievement and their mental health.
-
'The show will go on': Calgary Stampede will proceed despite water restrictions
The Calgary Stampede will go on as the city continues work to repair a major water main over the next few weeks – overlapping with the annual event.
Lethbridge
-
More pollen on the way for southern Alberta this summer
Pharmacies in southern Alberta were as busy as ever this spring, with many people seeking allergy relief in April and May.
-
City providing free daisies for Lethbridge to celebrate loved ones on Father’s Day
This Sunday is Father’s Day and the City of Lethbridge is helping those honour the memory of loved ones.
-
Jack Ady Cancer Centre unveils Amir and Saker Manji Healing Garden
The Amir and Saker Manji Healing Garden was named after Amir Manji, who went through his own cancer journey, and comes following a $500,000 donation toward the centre from his family.
Toronto
-
'Cluster' of thunderstorms roll into Toronto amid prolonged heat wave in the city
A special weather statement has been issued for Toronto this morning as a 'cluster' of thunderstorms roll into the GTA.
-
Will Toronto legislate a maximum temperature in apartments?
Anushen Selvasegar can barely fit his hand through the narrow opening in his bedroom window to feel the breeze outside of his 14th-floor apartment in St. James Town, one of Toronto's most densely populated neighbourhoods.
-
Opioid deaths in Ontario shelters more than tripled during pandemic, study finds
A new study examining data from the Ontario coroner's office and other sources indicates opioid-related deaths in the province's shelters more than tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic, when compared with a few years prior.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa couple's loan payments more than double after new company takes over financing
An Ottawa couple is sharing their buyer beware story and the importance of reading the fine print in contracts, following a shocking price hike and interest rate adjustment for their home furnace financing.
-
HEAT WARNING
HEAT WARNING Hot and humid weather continues in Ottawa, with the humidex to make it feel like 42
It's day two of the hot and humid weather in Ottawa, with the humidex expected to make it feel like 42 this afternoon.
-
Two Ottawa residents compete on 'Jeopardy!' this week
Getting on the gameshow Jeopardy is said to be statistically harder than getting in to Harvard, but this week, two of the contestants competing on the show just happen to be from Ottawa.
Montreal
-
Her 83-year-old mother was defrauded of thousands of dollars. Now she wants to warn others
A Montreal woman is warning others after she says her 83-year-old mother was defrauded out of thousands of dollars -- and it all started with a simple phone call.
-
Teen stabbed on grounds of Montreal North high school, suspect is likely a minor
A teenager has been stabbed on the grounds of a school in Montreal North, according to Montreal police.
-
HEAT WARNING
HEAT WARNING Montreal under heat warning as humidex expected to exceed 40
The Greater Montreal area is under a heat warning as humidex values are expected to exceed 40 on numerous days this week.
Vancouver
-
Family and friends of Naomi Onotera face man who killed her at sentencing hearing
People in the gallery openly wept Monday as friends and family of Naomi Onotera took the stand at a sentencing hearing to share stories about positive ways she touched their lives — and the devastating impact her death at the hands of her husband has had on them.
-
Property owners take NDP government to court over new short-term rental rules
A handful of members of a group of property owners from across B.C., known as the West Coast Association of Property Owners, assembled outside the B.C. Supreme Court in Victoria on Monday during a break in their court case.
-
B.C. more than doubles fines for illegal hunting, other wildlife offences
Starting this week, people caught illegally hunting or fishing will face much stiffer penalties under B.C.'s Wildlife Act.
Kelowna
-
Worker killed in accident at Kelowna construction site
A construction worker died in a workplace incident in Kelowna on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
-
B.C. weather: Sun in forecast after record-breaking low weekend temperatures
Many parts of B.C. will see several days of sun this week after some regions experienced record-breaking low temperatures over the weekend.
-
Hunter attacked after shooting bear in B.C.'s Okanagan
A hunter was attacked by a black bear near Summerland, B.C., this week after he shot and wounded the animal.
Vancouver Island
-
Property owners take NDP government to court over new short-term rental rules
A handful of members of a group of property owners from across B.C., known as the West Coast Association of Property Owners, assembled outside the B.C. Supreme Court in Victoria on Monday during a break in their court case.
-
B.C. more than doubles fines for illegal hunting, other wildlife offences
Starting this week, people caught illegally hunting or fishing will face much stiffer penalties under B.C.'s Wildlife Act.
-
Inmate serving life sentence for B.C. sledgehammer murder dies in prison
A convicted killer who was serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of his business partner has died in a British Columbia prison.
London
-
New city hall on Richmond Street? Farhi Holdings pitches land deal
As council considers a renovation and expansion to London’s existing city hall campus, the downtown’s largest property owner is offering to sell three of his buildings to create a brand new city hall.
-
Heat event continues with chance of showers and thunderstorms
A heat warning remains in effect from Environment Canada with the reminder that hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category.
-
Guilty plea and life sentence in Meaford murder case
Matthew McQuarrie will spend at least the next 15 years behind bars after pleading guilty to second degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Emerson Sprung.
Kitchener
-
Extreme heat and humidity in southern Ontario all week
Sweltering temperatures have settled across southern Ontario and Environment Canada says the dangerously hot and humid weather will be sticking around for the rest of the week.
-
How to navigate the long childcare waitlist in Waterloo Region
The promise of cheaper childcare means waitlists have grown longer. Wondering what to do until a spot opens up? We get advice for parents and caregivers.
-
City of Kitchener proposes bylaw to protect renters
A rental replacement bylaw is up for discussion in Kitchener. But, the city warns, it would only apply to some tenant evictions.
Northern Ontario
-
Five taken to hospital in northwest Ont. float plane crash
Canada's Transportation Safety Board is investigating after a float plane operated by a remote northern Ont. fly-in fishing outfitter crashed, sending five people to hospital.
-
3 people dead, including gunman, after shooting in Toronto office space: police
The gunman who killed a man and a woman is among the deceased after a triple shooting inside an office space near a daycare and a school in North York on Monday afternoon, according to police.
-
Witnesses say suspects pointed handgun at them near northern Ont. gas station
Ontario Provincial Police have released security camera photos of three of four suspects wanted in for questioning in a handgun-related incident.
Atlantic
-
Halifax redevelopment project hits milestone as motorists deal with traffic congestion
The closing of a section of Barrington Street means the Cogswell Street redevelopment project in Halifax has reached an important stage.
-
Hottest weather of the year so far coming to the Maritimes
A heat dome developing in the eastern United States will bring the hottest temperatures and highest humidex values of the year so far to the Maritimes this week.
-
Trial date set for one of the accused in connection with murder of Cape Breton woman
A trial date has been set for one of the accused in connection with a murder of a Cape Breton woman last year.
N.L.
-
Babies make a racket — for good reason — at infant music classes
Infant music classes are taking off, especially in Newfoundland, where demand is forcing one small business to boom.
-
Princess Anne to visit Newfoundland for 100th anniversary of National War Memorial
Princess Anne will be in Newfoundland and Labrador next month to mark the 100th anniversary of the unveiling of the National War Memorial in St. John's.
-
Feuding Labrador Indigenous groups -- one recognized, one not -- celebrate court ruling
A Federal Court judge has dismissed a bid by Labrador's Innu Nation to throw out an agreement involving the NunatuKavut Community Council, but both groups claim the ruling is a win.
