Sask. Advocate for Children and Youth 'deeply concerned' about allegations facing private Christian school
The Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth says she is deeply concerned about allegations involving the Legacy Christian Academy (LCA) scandal.
In an emailed statement, Lisa Broda says she has been monitoring the various allegations made by former students against teachers at LCA, formerly Christian Centre Academy and has been in touch with the Ministry of Education to access preliminary information before carefully considering the next steps.
“The magnitude of the allegations of abuse that have surfaced over the past few weeks is very troubling and, though these matters will be worked out through the police investigation and court processes, it is critical to ensure that while the investigation is ongoing, children returning to school in the fall are doing so in a safe environment,” Broda said.
“With the upcoming school year approaching, my immediate concern is to ensure that, in the current context, young people are safe and protected in all three independent schools impacted.”
Broda also said that young people have the right to be protected from harm and all school should be a place where children and youth can safely develop and be educated.
“There is a high onus for accountability on institutions, such as schools, that hold significant authority over children and youth for such a substantial portion of their lives.”
Even though the statement of claim will be processed through the justice system, the statement said the Ministry of Education is also expected to exercise due diligence “in its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and youth receiving services pursuant to The Education Act and its Regulations.”
Last week, the province said LCA, along with two other schools that employ individuals named in the lawsuit, will have a ministry administrator appointed.
“Student safety is of the utmost importance, and we take all allegations and complaints seriously. We have taken action to ensure that all students can feel safe, protected and respected no matter what school they attend,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in a news release at the time.
The release from the Children and Youth advocate applauded the move to appoint administrators as a move in the right direction but said it remains to be seen if the changes will do enough.
“My office will be assessing all information provided to me and, again, will methodically consider the next steps in our review,” Broda said.
Former students of LCA have recently come forward alleging that staff routinely paddled students and engaged in "controlling and abusive" behaviour — including a "gay exorcism."
The proposed class action lawsuit alleges sexual abuse also occurred in connection with the school.
Saskatoon Police Service has confirmed an investigation into historical claims involving students has been turned over to Crown prosecutors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.