Friday, March 6, 2026
In February 2021, St. Thomas More Collegiate Ltd. (STMCL), Vancouver College Ltd. (VCL), and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver (RCAV), and others were named as defendants in a class-action lawsuit—later certified—concerning alleged historical physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse by former members of the Christian Brothers of Ireland in Canada. The period relevant to STMCL spans from 1976 to 1989.
Since 2023, Class Counsel, STMCL, VCL, and the RCAV have worked toward a mediated resolution of the Liptrot et al. class action with the assistance of Justice Archibald, a former judge of the Ontario Superior Court, while simultaneously preparing for trial.
After several years of extensive work by all parties involved, I am heartened to share that Class Counsel, STMCL, VCL, and RCAV have reached settlement subject to approval of the Court. This represents a significant step forward for our school and our community.
As part of the next steps, STMCL has been asked to distribute the Notice of the Settlement Approval Hearing to all students enrolled at STMC at any time between 1976 and 1989 by the following methods:
- via any and all alumni portals, websites, or newsletters;
- directly to individual former students using any physical address or email address in St. Thomas More Collegiate’s possession, power, or control; and
- via St. Thomas More Collegiate’s social media accounts.
Formal notice to members of the Class begins today, March 6, 2026. While our email database is updated regularly, we are ultimately dependent on the information provided to us by alumni and parents. Please contact to ensure that we have your name and contact information and that it is accurate and current.
The present day STMC is dedicated to working with—and walking alongside—survivors, taking every step we can to support their journey.
Sincerely,
Stephen Garland
President
St. Thomas More Collegiate
Download: Notice of Settlement Hearing
