Questions and answers

Does it cost anything to make a claim?

No. Making a claim is free, and you do not need a lawyer.

Do I need evidence?

No. You do not need supporting evidence just to make a claim, and you do not need to have reported the abuse at the time or told anyone before now. However, in some circumstances, a lack of supporting evidence, or weaknesses in that evidence, may affect the assessment of compensation.

If you do have anything showing you went to the school, like a report card, a transcript, or an award, please include a copy, as it helps.

What if I cannot remember exact dates?

That is normal. Do your best to describe roughly when it was: your grade at school, the season, or something else happening at the time. If you are unsure about something, say so rather than guessing.

What if I need more space than the form allows?

If you are filling out the form offline, type up additional pages or use extra sheets of paper. Write the question number at the top of each extra page so we know what it relates to.

Can someone help me fill in the form?

Yes. You can ask anyone you trust. If you have questions, call or email us, or make an appointment. Call 1-800-639-0225 or email inquiries@bcchristianbrothersclaims.ca.

Can I claim if I live outside British Columbia or outside Canada?

Yes. Where you live now does not matter. What matters is the school you attended, when you were enrolled, the type of abuse you suffered, and who was responsible for the abuse.

Will my name be made public?

No. You are given an anonymized claim number, and that number, not your name, is used in any material filed with the Court. The settling defendants (Vancouver College, St. Thomas More Collegiate, and the Archbishop of Vancouver) will receive only a list of anonymized Claimant IDs and amounts of compensation paid.

At the end of the process a list of the names of people who were compensated is filed with the Court under seal. That means it is kept confidential and can only be opened if the Court orders it.

Your information and documents submitted to us will remain confidential unless you try to pursue a separate legal case against one of the settling defendants for the abuse you suffered.

Will the schools be told what I said?

The settling defendants (Vancouver College, St. Thomas More Collegiate, and the Archbishop of Vancouver) will receive only a list of anonymized Claimant IDs and amounts of compensation paid. They are not given your Claim Form or your name.

Your information and documents submitted to us will remain confidential unless you try to pursue a separate legal case against one of the settling defendants for the abuse you suffered.

What happens to my documents?

Documents you send are kept securely for 80 years and are then destroyed.

Will you ever ask me for my sign-in code?

No. When you sign in to the online Claim Form, Microsoft emails you a one-time code. It is for you alone. Nobody from the Claims Administrator, CFM Lawyers or the Court will ever ask you for it, by phone, text or email. If someone does, do not give it to them and call us free at 1-800-639-0225.

How much will I get?

We cannot tell you at this stage. It depends on how many claims are made, how they are assessed, and how much money remains after Court-approved costs. Nobody can know before the deadlines pass and claims are assessed.

When will I be paid?

For most claimants, payments will be made after the first claims deadline, 13 September 2027, has passed and all claims have been assessed. This is because the total amount available has to be shared fairly among everyone whose claim is approved. However, to support the objective of providing timely compensation, the Court has approved a process whereby limited, interim distributions can be made before that date. Interim distributions, if any are made, will be for a portion of the full amount of some claims. We will keep this website updated.

Will making a claim affect my income assistance, disability benefits or pension?

It might, depending on the benefit and your circumstances. We cannot advise you on this. Please speak to whoever administers your benefit, or to an independent adviser, before your claim is paid.

Do I get more money if I am in the Primary Fund?

It is in the best interest of class members to file their claim under the Primary Fund. 90% of the Net Settlement Amount will be allocated to the Primary Fund. The Secondary Fund is a smaller, limited fund.

The Primary Fund is for claims received by the first deadline, 13 September 2027. Read about the deadlines.

I already took part in another case about the same abuse. Can I still claim?

Maybe. Tell us about it on the Claim Form. It could affect your eligibility or how much you receive, but you should still submit a Claim Form.

The person who was abused has died. Can a claim still be made?

If you are seeking compensation for someone who was abused and has died, please call us on 1-800-639-0225 or email us at inquiries@bcchristianbrothersclaims.ca.

I was abused by a lay teacher or a priest, not a Christian Brother.

To receive compensation you must have been abused by a current or former Christian Brother. If that applies to you and you were also abused by a lay teacher or priest or anyone else, include both in your form.

If you were abused by only a lay teacher or a priest and not by a Christian Brother, you are not eligible to file a claim.

Is the case over?

This settlement resolves the claims against Vancouver College Limited, St. Thomas More Collegiate Ltd., and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver. The action continues against the remaining individual defendants: Edward English, Joseph Burke, Douglas Kenny, Gerard Gabriel McHugh, and Kevin Short.

Can I opt out of the settlement?

No. The deadlines imposed by the Court for opting out of the class action have passed. If you suffered abuse by a Christian Brother while at Vancouver College (between 1976 and 2013) or St. Thomas More Collegiate (between 1976 and 1989), your avenue for making a claim for compensation is through this claims process.

Have the schools or the Church apologized publicly?

An apology by Vancouver College, St. Thomas More Collegiate, or the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vancouver was not made as part of the settlement agreement.