Child advocate opens investigation into independent schools after abuse allegations

Saskatchewan’s child advocate has opened an investigation into independent schools in the province following allegations of abuse and a class-action lawsuit by former students.

A number of former students of a Saskatoon religious independent school have come forward in recent weeks, alleging serious and frequent incidents of abuse by staff members including corporal punishment and sexual abuse.

A number of the former students have filed a class-action lawsuit seeking $25 million in damages, and Saskatchewan’s education minister introduced new oversight measures including the appointment of administrators at schools where staff members have been connected to the allegations.

One independent school, Grace Christian School, lost its certification last week after refusing to co-operate with the government-appointed overseer.

In a statement sent to media Tuesday, Child and Youth Advocate Dr. Lisa Broda said her office has launched a full investigation into the services and the government oversight present at registered independent schools in the province.

Broda said the magnitude of the allegations and the number of concerns raised, both in public and by her office’s review of the matter, led her to conclude a full investigation was necessary.

“The matters pertaining to registered independent schools have been a paramount concern since our office became aware of the allegations of abuse in early August,” Broda noted in her statement.

Broda said her investigation will broadly examine the historical and current services provided for children within the various types of independent schools in Saskatchewan, as well as the accountability measures set upon them by the Ministry of Education.

The advocate, an independent office of Saskatchewan’s legislative assembly, has the authority to make recommendations to the Ministry of Education and other government agencies.