In October 2022, the Cumberland County District Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were notified of a historical sexual assault of a youth by their former teacher, James William Conrad, between 2011 and 2014. The survivor was attending Oxford Regional Education Centre school in Oxford, Nova Scotia, at the time of the assault. The school in question has grade primary to grade 12.[1] James William Conrad is no longer employed in the education system.[2]
On June 29, 2023, RCMP officers arrested James William Conrad in Amherst, Nova Scotia.[3] Conrad who was charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Sexual Exploitation and Invitation to Sexual Touching.[4] Conrad was released on conditions and will appear in Amherst Provincial Court on September 25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.[5]
Cumberland County District RCMP is reaching out to offer support and encourage anyone who is a survivor to come forward by contacting your local police or RCMP Detachment. The Cumberland County District RCMP can be contacted at 902-447-2525[6].
Regardless of when it occurred, if you have been the victim of sexual abuse by a teacher, contact Liam O’Reilly and the team at Wagners to understand your legal rights.
No Time Limit on Bringing Institutional Abuse or Sexual Abuse Claims in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
In Nova Scotia, as per the Limitation of Actions Act, SNS 2014, c 35, and in Prince Edward Island, as per the Statute of Limitations, RSPEI 1988, c S-7, there is no time limitation on when a lawsuit must be filed in regard to sexual abuse or physical abuse claims based on emotional, physical, or financial dependency (such as being a resident at an orphanage or other institution). This means that historical victims of sexual abuse or abuse while under the care of an institution who are now ready to come forward can initiate lawsuits, even though the abuse happened years or even decades previous.[7] [8]
No Time Limit on Bringing Sexual Abuse Claims in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador
In New Brunswick, as per the Limitation of Actions Act, SNB 2009, c L-8.5, and in Newfoundland and Labrador, as per the Limitations Act, SNL 1995, c L-16.1, there is no time limitation on when a lawsuit must be filed in regard to sexual abuse claims. This means that historical victims of sexual abuse who are now ready to come forward can initiate lawsuits, even though the abuse happened years or even decades previous.[9][10]
Your Legal Options After Sexual or Institutional Abuse
At Wagners, we’ve met survivors of sexual or institutional abuse who find it extremely difficult to share their experiences, even with a lawyer. We have a team that is professional and compassionate so you can rely on their experience to explain your legal options and provide the assistance you need to fight for your fair compensation. Abuse survivors can trust us to use the information they share to ensure the person or institution responsible are brought to justice. We take the time to evaluate the specifics of your case and advise on the best legal option to help you receive the monetary compensation you need to recover from the abuse you endured.
File criminal charges: If you take this option, you will not get monetary compensation. Investigations will be done, and the accused will be arrested if sufficient evidence is found. If the defendant is found guilty, he or she could face punishment like imprisonment.
Civil lawsuit: In this case, we pursue the case on behalf of the survivor in civil court. If found at fault, the assailant will be required to pay monetary compensation, which would assist the survivor to recover from the abuse.
Class action lawsuit: It is also possible to file a class action lawsuit against an assailant who assaulted several people. The group of survivors can come together to collectively file a class action suit against the person or institution that was responsible for the assault or abuse.
Compensation
At Wagners, we firmly believe that no amount of compensation can eliminate the pain and suffering that your assailant caused, but there is so much good that comes from a successfully resolved institutional or sexual abuse claim. As a survivor, the monetary compensation you receive can assist you to recover from the abuse and cater to the medical costs involved. Holding the assailant accountable also restores your dignity and encourages other victims of sexual and institutional abuse to come out and seek justice as well.
The amount of compensation you deserve for your sexual or institutional abuse claim will depend on many factors. Some of these factors include:
- How the abuse affected your ability to support yourself and make sufficient income
- The type of medical treatment you need or you have sought due to the abuse
- The personal or unique circumstances of your lawsuit
We know that sexual or institutional abuse is a terrible experience, and many victims usually have a heavy burden that they are likely to carry for a long time. For this reason, we offer reliable legal assistance that you need to get the monetary burden off your shoulders. Our main goal is to build a strong strategy and successfully fight for your rights.
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/rcmp-oxford-nova-scotia-sexual-offences-school-teacher-1.6894176
[2] https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/police-charge-former-teacher-with-sexual-offences-1.6463408
[3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/rcmp-oxford-nova-scotia-sexual-offences-school-teacher-1.6894176
[4] https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2023/cumberland-county-district-rcmp-charge-former-teacher-sexual-offences
[5] https://www.1015thehawk.com/2023/06/30/38734/
[6] https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2023/cumberland-county-district-rcmp-charge-former-teacher-sexual-offences
[7] https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/limitation%20of%20actions.pdf
[8] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/legislation/s-07-statute_of_limitations.pdf
[9] https://www.canlii.org/en/nb/laws/stat/snb-2009-c-l-8.5/latest/snb-2009-c-l-8.5.html;
[10] https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/l16-1.htm