Superior Court authorizes class action against junior hockey league over abuse of minors
The Quebec Superior Court is seen in Montreal on March 27, 2019. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)
On Saturday, the Quebec Superior Court authorized a class action lawsuit aimed at compensating all minors who suffered abuse while playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The goal is to obtain financial compensation for those who were abused by coaches, players or any other person involved in the minor hockey circuit.
David Stolow, a lawyer with the Kugler Kandestin firm, said permission for the lawsuit was first obtained in April when player Carl Latulip asked to represent a group. The defendant tried to appeal the decision, which was rejected, and the action was filed in July.
The firm now wants to alert class members of the action. Stolow expects thousands of people will be able to join the lawsuit.
"It obviously deals with very serious and very concerning allegations with respect to what minor players in the QMJHL experienced over many, many years going back to 1969. It's important for us that these players have access to justice," said Stolow.
He added that the lawsuit isn't seeking punitive measures against individuals who may have participated in abuse after being victims themselves.
"Our position is very clear. They were victims of a system that allowed these types of things to happen," Stolow said.
The suit is seeking $15 million in punitive and exemplary damages, with additional compensatory damages, for example for mental suffering, that will be determined at a subsequent stage. Members of the class-action will be eligible for different amounts.
Stolow said he expects the sums to be significant because of the severity of the abuse and repurcussions victims live with to this day.
Victims may opt out of this class action if they wish, and can use a pseudonym to remain anonymous.
This authorization does not apply to any other class action brought by Daniel Carcillo, Garett Taylor and Stephen Quirk against the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the QMJHL, the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Western Junior Hockey League and their teams regarding the systematic abuse of players playing in these leagues.
With files from CTV News Montreal's Olivia O'Malley and The Canadian Press.
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
'Hell on earth': Ottawa rapper TwoTiime among Canadians displaced by L.A. fires
Ottawa rapper Khalid Omar, who performs under the name TwoTiime, was forced to evacuate his Calabasas condo as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area this week, leaving the studio where he records in ruins.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
Canada shuts out U.S. to win U-18 women's world championship
Marilou Grenier stopped 14 shots as Canada defeated the United States 3-0 on Sunday to capture the gold medal at the world women's under-18 hockey championship.
Toronto
-
Toronto still trying to get students ‘back on track’ with vaccinations after COVID-19 pandemic
Toronto Public Health has begun sending out letters to Grade 11 students who are behind on their routine vaccinations, warning that they could face suspension if they do not comply.
-
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
-
Steeles closed in both directions at Mavis in Brampton following collision
A section of Steeles Avenue in Brampton is closed in both directions following a single-vehicle collision.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa parents voice concerns about possible phase out of some OCDSB special needs classes
Eastern Ontario's largest school board is making some major changes to how elementary students will learn in both English and French, but the new model could also mean the end of nearly 40 specialized classes, including special needs programs.
-
Ottawa police arrest suspect in Heron Gate grocery store stabbing
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating a stabbing at Herongate Square on Saturday evening.
-
Closure of Algonquin College’s campus in Perth, Ont. has negative economic implications: Mayor
The mayor of Perth, Ont. is voicing her concern about Algonquin College’s plans to close its campus in the rural area, citing negative implications on the economy and the community.
Atlantic
-
Fire Fighters Union says it is ‘heartbroken’ after fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital after his neighbour rescued him from a house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
-
Four teams set to represent Curl Moncton at provincial championship
Two men’s teams and two women's teams won the opportunity to represent Curl Moncton at the HUPLASO Club Curl Championships in Saint John, N.B., this February.
-
RCMP investigate suspicious death, fire in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley
One person is dead under suspicious circumstances after a house fire in Centreville, N.S.
N.L.
-
Heavy equipment used to bash into a Newfoundland bank for second time in a month
Police in eastern Newfoundland say that for the second time in less than a month thieves have used heavy equipment to smash into a bank and steal an ATM.
-
Yvonne Jones, longtime Liberal MP for Labrador, retiring from federal politics
Liberal MP Yvonne Jones speaks to reporters before a meeting of the Liberal women's caucus, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Jones announced this morning that she will not be running in the next federal election for her seat in Labrador. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
-
Quebec energy deal touted as new chapter for Newfoundland and Labrador heads for vote
A draft energy deal with Quebec heralded as a game-changer for indebted Newfoundland and Labrador is heading for a vote Thursday night at the legislature in St. John's, N.L.
Northern Ontario
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
-
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
-
Minister says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and B.C. to deploy in California
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says dozens of firefighters from Alberta and British Columbia will help fight wildfires in California, and the federal government is co-ordinating efforts with the provinces to deploy resources.
London
-
'We’re bursting at the seams': BMO Centre eying $30M expansion
“We're almost at capacity here at the BMO Centre, so that's why we purchased the land,” said Operator of the BMO Centre Tom Partalas of a 10-acre parcel just west of the current facility.
-
Belmont, Ont's Lexie Bertelson bringing home gold from U18 world tournament
Lexie Bertelson of Belmont, Ont. is bringing home a gold medal after Canada beat Team USA 3-0 in the championship game of the Under-18 Women's World Championship in Vantaa, Finland.
-
41-year-old man arrested with fentanyl and cocaine on him: SPS
A 41-year-old man is facing drug trafficking charges after being sought after by police on an outstanding warrant.
Kitchener
-
WaterLAN Esport Tournament showcases inclusivity and growth in Waterloo Region: organizers
The Waterloo Region is stepping into the esports spotlight this weekend with the WaterLAN E-sports Tournament, a provincial collegiate invitational hosted by the University of Waterloo and Conestoga College.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Windsor
-
Essex County OPP drop the puck against former NHL stars
Members of the Essex County OPP laced up their skates Sunday afternoon to drop the puck against former NHL players.
-
Lions drone show dazzles over Windsor
More than 400 drones soared from Riverfront Festival Plaza hundreds of feet into the air before they aligned to form different words and images.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
Barrie
-
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
-
Police appeal for help locating missing Barrie teen
Barrie police are asking for the public’s help in finding 14-year-old Destiny, who has been reported missing.
-
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
Vancouver
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Police search for vehicle involved in Langley hit-and-run
Langley RCMP are issuing a fresh call for witnesses after identifying a vehicle believed to be linked to a hit-and-run that took place in November.
-
'It looked apocalyptic': Vancouver actress details nightmare few days in L.A.
There was a time when the city of Los Angeles conjured rosy recollections of glamorous parties and sun-drenched adventures with friends, but for Vancouver actress Abbie Jenkins, only one scene now springs to mind. The memory of careening down the highway in a friend’s car, with flames erupting in the rear-view mirror.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. fire crews sent to fight Los Angeles wildfire: forests minister
British Columbia’s forests minister says a crew from the province’s wildfire service left for California Saturday afternoon to help battle the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.
-
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
-
Florence Girard was 55 pounds when she starved in home-share. Her sister wants change
The sister of a British Columbia woman with Down syndrome who starved to death in a Port Coquitlam home in 2018 says she believes more people will die if systemic changes aren't made to how people with developmental disabilities are treated.
Winnipeg
-
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
-
High-risk offender back behind bars
A high-risk offender, who was recently released from jail, is back behind bars.
-
Contrasts start to take shape in leadership race for Manitoba's Opposition Tories
The battle for the leadership of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives is three months from being decided, and the two men vying for the role are laying out different paths to try to reignite the party voted out of office in the last election.
Calgary
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Homicide investigation underway after man found dead in downtown Calgary
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead early Sunday morning.
-
'It's all about the U.S. securing greater control of resources': U of C professor concerned over Trump wanting Greenland
Incoming U.S president Donald Trump has suggested he wants to buy Greenland, and one University of Calgary professor fears this could have a severe impact on Canada.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
-
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
-
Outdoor tournament held in 'perfect setting' as part of Edmonton minor hockey week
A pond hockey tournament for players in the under-9 age category at Cattail Crossing Golf Club in west Edmonton was "the perfect setting" for the outdoor extravaganza.
Regina
-
Team Canada takes gold at U18 women's hockey worlds, Sask.'s Zablocki leads scoring
For the third time in four years, Canada has brought home gold from the Under-18 Women's World Championships – with help from Saskatchewan's own Stryker Zablocki.
-
'It gives me freedom': Local organization giving people with disabilities chance to hit the slopes
The Regina Ski Club is ensuring everyone has a chance to hit the slopes this winter.
-
Regina woman charged in death of infant after lengthy investigation
A woman has been charged in the death of an infant following a lengthy investigation.
Saskatoon
-
Police responding to serious crash in southern Saskatoon
A serious crash in south Saskatoon has closed the intersection of Preston Avenue South and Stonebridge Common.
-
Extreme cold blankets, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, parts of northern Sask.
An especially chilly Sunday is forecasted for several regions across Saskatchewan – as extreme cold warnings come into effect.
-
'Everybody wins': Saskatoon SPCA garage sale makes room for fundraising
Garage sale season started a little early in Saskatoon this year. The SPCA held a garage sale Saturday to make use of some its more abundant gently used donations that might go unused.
