On January 30, 2026, our firm filed a request for authorization to institue a class action against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and Corporation du Collège de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière. This request seeks compensation for sexual assaults committed by members of the clergy or other individuals under the Catholic Church’s authority in the Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière.
Our Clients’ Stories
Both of our clients were sexually assaulted by a member of the clergy when they were minors.
Our first client was a victim of sexual assault in the 1970s at the hands of Father Rosaire Deschênes, his teacher at College of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière, when he was 15 years old.
Our second client was a victim of sexual abuse for several years by Father Jean-Marc Garneau, starting at the age of 3, in the parish of Saint-Just-de-Bretenières.
Our clients suffered numerous consequences as a result of the sexual assaults and have decided to initiate this class action to seek compensation not only for themselves, but also for all other victims of sexual abuse.
The Proposed Class Action
In accordance with the Civil Code of Québec, a principal or employer is required to compensate for damage caused by the wrongful act of a subordinates or employee when the fault is committed in the performance of their duties. Therefore, we are suing the legal entities responsible for the Catholic Church’s activities in the Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière for sexual assaults committed by clergy members or other persons under their authority during Church activities.
We are also suing the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière and the Corporation du Collège de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière for their own faults, as well as the Assurance Mutuelle des Fabriques de Québec, as insurer. We argue that they did not take the necessary measures to prevent or stop sexual abuse and are therefore liable.
We are claiming compensatory damages to compensate victims for the harm caused by sexual assaults. We are also seeking punitive damages to sanction the intentional violation of victims’ rights to safety, integrity, and dignity, rights protected by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Proposed Class
All persons, as well as their heirs and assigns, who were sexually assaulted by a member of the clergy, an employee, or a volunteer, whether lay or religious, under the responsibility of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière or the Corporation du Collège de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière who exercised authority over the Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière
Territory of the Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière
The Diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière is in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches regions, and includes, among others, the cities of Montmagny, La Pocatière, and Rivière-du-Loup, as well as neighboring localities.
Applications Filed with the Court
Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action
Current Status of the Case
Awaiting authorization by a judge of the Superior Court.
How to Join the Class Action?
If you fall within the definition of the proposed class above, you are automatically a part of this class action.
If you think you’re a class member, please fill out this form in all confidentiality.