Compensation not ruled out despite British Columbia court decision

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons said it would be premature to suggest that Roman Catholic schools in the province of British Columbia, cannot be used to help pay damage claims of Mount Cashel abuse victims in Newfoundland and Labrador, as they relate to the Christian Brothers of Ireland in Canada.

On Friday, August 11, the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that the schools are held in trust by the Christian Brothers for the specific purpose of Roman Catholic education. The two schools named in the ruling are Vancouver College and St. Thomas Moore Collegiate.

Previously, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that all assets of the Christian Brothers, including those held under a specific purpose trust, are available to satisfy the claims of victims. "If this ruling stands, the schools would be available to satisfy the claims," said the minister.

"However, the schools are seeking to have this matter heard by the Supreme Court of Canada," stated Minister Parsons, "and that court has not yet decided whether it will hear the case. Until such time, no one should make any general statements."

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 08 14                                10:20 a.m.