Alberta's highest court has dealt a significant blow to the federal government, clearing the path for a sweeping class action lawsuit over sexual abuse allegations involving a Canadian Armed Forces chaplain at a military base near Edmonton.
In a decision released Friday, the Alberta Court of Appeal upheld a lower court's certification of the class action, rejecting Ottawa's attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed before it could proceed.
The case centres on allegations involving Father Angus McRae, who served as a chaplain at Canadian Forces Base Namao. The lead plaintiff, Bobbie Bees, was not directly abused by McRae but was sexually assaulted by someone else while living on the base — a distinction the federal government argued should disqualify the entire case from proceeding as a class action.
The three-member appeal panel disagreed, ruling that Justice Robert Neufeld's original certification decision was sound. The court defined the class of potential plaintiffs broadly to include not only direct victims of McRae's abuse, but also those who were victimized "with his participation, encouragement or facilitation."
"Canada does not dispute that the claim reveals a potentially viable cause of action against Canada by victims of sexual abuse by McRae while he served as chaplain on Canadian Armed Forces bases," the judges wrote in their decision.
The ruling represents a major development for survivors seeking accountability. Class action status allows multiple victims to pursue their claims collectively, significantly reducing legal costs and complexity compared to individual lawsuits.
The decision underscores growing concerns about institutional accountability within the Armed Forces and the protection — or lack thereof — of vulnerable individuals in military communities.
This article was adapted from reporting by the Calgary Herald.