Quebec judge authorizes class action against former principal, EMSB over sexual assault allegations

A Quebec Superior Court judge approved a class-action lawsuit against a former Montreal school principal over sexual assault allegations by former students.

The legal action, which seeks $16.2 million in damages and interest, also targets the English Montreal School Board (EMSB). The EMSB was established in 1998 as part of Quebec's 1997-1998 reform.

Former students allege they were sexually abused by Phillip Hart Baugniet while he was a principal or a teacher between the 1960s and the 1990s at three EMSB schools — FACE, Victoria School and Lachine High School.

Last year, a class-action lawsuit application was filed by lawyers representing the former students.

Pierre Boivin, the lawyer representing the lead plaintiff in the class action, said his client is relieved.

The alleged victim was "destroyed by the sexual abuse" and that his life was "totally affected by it," according to Boivin.

His client filed "not only on his behalf, but to help other victims so he's proud," said Boivin, calling the situation stressful. "He should be proud. He knows that we would all go forward to the trial, if needed, for justice to be rendered."

The lead plaintiff, referred to only as "C.", is a man in his early 40s who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Baugniet when he was a student at FACE.

The class-action application mentions that, during the 1988-1989 school year, C. was allegedly sexually assaulted during a trip organized by Baugniet at his farm in Cornwall, Ontario.

The trip was part of FACE's school activities.

None of these allegations have been proven in court, but a criminal case is underway.

The plaintiff was seven years old at the time.

Last October, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said Baugniet, who now lives in British Columbia, had been accused of sexually assaulting six students in the 1970s, 80s and 90s in South Stormont Township, Ont.

He was charged with numerous offences under the former Criminal Code that was law in 1970, including:

• Seven counts of indecently assaulting a male.

• Two counts of sexual assault.

• Three counts of sexual interference.

• Buggery.

• Sexually assaulting a person under 16 years of age.

The investigation began in May of last year after Montreal police contacted the OPP.

Baugniet was later arrested by the OPP at a police station in Victoria, British Columbia, and was released from custody after a bail hearing.

A spokesperson for the EMSB said Saturday that the board would not be commenting on the case since it is before the courts.

CBC News tried to contact Baugniet's lawyer for the criminal case but did not get a response in time for publication.