The class proceeding commenced in 2016 and was brought on behalf of individuals who attended and/or resided at the School for the Deaf in Halifax or the Interprovincial School for the Education of the Deaf in Amherst, N.S., between 1913 and 1995, for alleged physical, sexual and/or mental harm they experienced at the schools.
“Nothing can make up for the losses we experienced, including in the education we received, and this has been a long 10 years, but it was worth the wait,” representative plaintiff Mike Perrier said, according to the release.
Under the agreement, the province will provide compensation for harmful experiences commonly suffered by class members, with an estimated 900 to 1,200 individuals eligible to receive payment.
The agreement also provides for compensation ranging from $90,000 to $150,000 for class members who suffered physical and sexual abuse at the schools.
Besides direct compensation for the class members, the agreement also provides $3 million to fund relevant support services and to pay for restorative sharing circles for class members.
Nova Scotia will also pay the legal fee and expenses of Wagners as well as $2.5 million for the costs of administering the settlement.
The law firm will seek the court’s approval for a legal fee of $12.5 million plus applicable taxes.
Additionally, the settlement provides for honoraria for the two representative plaintiffs.
The claims process is expected to begin March 2026.
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