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The federal government allowed a Canadian Armed Forces priest to sexually abuse hundreds of children at various military bases where he was stationed, according to a class action lawsuit filed in the Calgary Court of Queen’s Bench.
The lead plaintiff claims that Captain Angus McRae was given the ability to prey upon children living on armed forces bases across Canada. The plaintiff wants to hold the federal government accountable for failing to stop the abuse.
“In his position as an officer, McRae was in a position of power over the many underaged children living on the Canadian Armed Forces Base Namao. McRae used this position of power, granted to him by the defendant, Canada to abuse hundreds of children mentally, physically and sexually,” claims the class action lawsuit.
The plaintiff grew up on several of Canada’s military bases and lived CFB Namao in Edmonton for two years in the late 1970s, according to the class action lawsuit.
“Throughout the plaintiff’s time on the Canadian Forces Base Namao, the plaintiff was subjected to numerous cases of mental, physical and sexual abuse by Captain Father Angus McRae … and his alter boy P.S.,” alleges the class action lawsuit.
The plaintiff says hundreds of children were subjected to abuse by McRae, who allegedly took children to his room and gave them alcohol before sexually abusing them. McRae would also degrade his victims in public and privately, isolate them from their families, and force them into confinement.
Military officials allegedly knew McRae had sexually assaulted children, but failed to remove him.
“The defendant, Canada knew or ought to have known of the physical, sexual and mental abuse, which with plaintiffs were subjected to at the Canadian Forces Base Namao and other Canadian Forces bases across the country,” alleges the class action lawsuit. “The defendant, Canada failed and neglected to prevent the physical and mental abuse of the plaintiffs.”
The Department of Defense attempted to block the plaintiff from court-martial transcripts related to McRae, reports the Calgary Herald. The transcripts reportedly show that Canada’s military knew of multiple victims of the Armed Forces Chaplin, along with multiple allegations from others in Ontario.
The Calgary Herald reports that the federal government has not yet filed a statement of defence.
Were you sexually abused by a member of the Canadian Armed Forces? Consider reaching out to see if you qualify for a sexual abuse and assault lawsuit.
The plaintiff is represented by Clint Docken and Mathew Farrell.
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