Abuse and Mistreatment at the Notre-Dame de la Route Residence in Louvicourt
This class action seeks to compensate the persons who stayed at the residence Pavillon Notre-Dame de la Route in Louvicourt between 1975 and 1991, for the psychological, physical and sexual abuses that were committed there. It also seeks to compensate immediate family for the harm they suffered as a result of the abuse.
This action does not cover claims concerning sexual abuse committed by any member or employee of the religious congregation known as the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Les Missionnaires Oblats de Marie Immaculée) if the abuse occurred outside of the activities or responsibility of the Residence Pavillon Notre-Dame de la Route in Louvicourt.
Latest News
On December 2, 2022, the Superior Court of Quebec authorized a class action against the Attorney General of Canada and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada as the residence’s insurer. This means that the first step of the process is completed and the case is now moving forward as a regular judicial demand towards a trial. The class members are represented by Chief Régis Pénosway and Véronique Papatie, who are the representative plaintiffs.
On January 20, 2025, the group representatives asked the Court to remove the Royal & Sun Alliance of Canada from the case. The Court agreed, leaving the Attorney General of Canada as the sole defendant. However, the Attorney General of Canada opposed this decision and appealled to the Court of Appeal of Quebec. The representatives tasked the Court of Appeal to dismiss the appeal but on May 5, 2025, the Quebec Court of Appeal dismissed the representatives’ motion and allowed the Attorney General of Canada to proceed with the appeal. A hearing will be held in October or November 2025 to determine whether the insurance company Royal & Sun Alliance should remain a defendant to the class action.
Additionally, on December 13, 2024, the Attorney General of Canada asked the Court to add 14 new defendants, including the Kitcisakik Anicinape Council, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company (in case their appeal fails), religious orders (Obats), and individuals who served on the board of directors of the Residence at the time. The plaintiffs oppose this motion and do not want these parties added to the case. A hearing on this matter was held on February 17, 2025, but the decision is still pending.
In April 2025, the group’s lawyers retained three experts to prepare reports that will help explain to the Court the impact of the Residence on the community: one expert in sociology, one in anthropology, and one in psychology. These experts will conduct interviews and research over the coming months.
If you meet the criteria mentioned below, you are automatically included in this class action.
At this time, no trial date has been set, no settlement has been reached, and no compensation is yet assured.
Are you a member?
You are automatically included in this class action if you fit into one of these two groups:
1
Primary Class
You stayed at the residence Pavillon Notre-Dame de la Route in Louvicourt, between 1975 and November 1991, when you were under the age of 18.
2
Family Class
You are a family member* of a person in the Main Group and you have suffered material or moral damages as a result of the injury suffered by this person. This damage may consist, for example, of a loss of financial or emotional support.
*Family member:
You are the spouse or former spouse, civil union partner or former civil union partner, child, grandchild, brother or sister of a person in the Primary Class.
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