Man sues over alleged abuse at Selkirk boarding school

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This article was published 27/01/2020 (2315 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba man is suing the Anglican Church of Canada, alleging he was subjected to repeated sexual and physical abuse while a student at a now-shuttered boarding school nearly 40 years ago.

In a statement of claim filed earlier this month, the man alleges he was repeatedly sexually assaulted by Kenneth MacKinnon Mealey, a teacher at St. John’s Cathedral Boys’ School in Selkirk from 1981 to 1982.

Mealey performed oral sex on the student, then in grades 9 and 10, and fondled him while he slept, the lawsuit alleges. Mealey is also alleged to have assaulted the student by striking him on the buttocks with a stick.

Mealey was convicted 20 years ago of sexually assaulting other boys at the school during the same time period.

The school — known for its harsh discipline and physically grueling outdoor exercises — has been closed for 30 years. In 1978, 12 students and one volunteer at an affiliated school in Ontario died after their canoes capsized on Lake Timiskaming.

In addition to the Anglican Church of Canada and Mealey, the lawsuit also names as defendants the Diocese of Rupert’s Land and St. John’s Cathedral School (Manitoba) Inc.

“He internalized this for a number of years and finally said, ‘Enough is enough,’” said the alleged victim’s lawyer, Israel Ludwig. “He’s suffered a lot of psychological difficulties as a result of this, and thought one of the ways to deal with it was to bring it out in the open.”

Ludwig said Mealey’s whereabouts are unknown.

“We haven’t been able to find him,” he said. “We’ve searched obituaries and found no record. He may have changed his name, for all we know.”

Bishop Geoff Woodcroft said St. John’s Cathedral Boy’s School was privately-run and had no affiliation with the Diocese of Rupert’s Land.

“We are deeply grieved and will do what we can to make sure the claimant receives closure,” he said. “We want to see justice for him and healing, but we have no connection to that school.”

The alleged victim claims he suffers from depression, suicidal thoughts, alcohol addiction and sexual disfunction as a result of the assaults. He is suing for special damages including medical and pharmaceutical costs, loss of wages and loss of future income.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca