CALGARY,
AB, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - the Alberta Court of King's Bench has approved a
$9.5 million settlement in a class
action commenced against Philip
Heerema and the Stampede Defendants. JSS Barristers LLP is
legal counsel to the Representative Plaintiff, N.B., and to the
certified Class.
The settlement resolves protracted litigation against the
Stampede Defendants and will hopefully provide impacted Class
Members with a measure of closure and aid in their healing. The
settlement was reached following several meetings with the
assistance of two Justices of the Court of King's Bench and after
extensive negotiations. As part of the approved settlement, Epiq
has been appointed as the Claims Administrator and Class Members
will shortly be able to submit claims for compensation to the
Claims Administrator. Further information regarding the claims
process will be provided to Class Members.
Carsten Jensen, KC (counsel for
the Class) commended survivors for having the courage to come
forward and to hold the Defendants to account:
"The Representative Plaintiff, N.B., and other Class Members
demonstrated tremendous courage and resolve. They shared their
personal stories and experiences, which laid the groundwork for a
resolution on behalf of the Class. The settlement would not have
been possible without their involvement."
Mr. Jensen noted that the settlement also includes a commitment
by the Stampede Defendants to implement additional and enhanced
measures and programs. He added:
"Multiple Class Members were victimized by the same predator
over almost three decades. That should never have happened. It
should never happen again. I encourage parents, peers and community
members to be vigilant and to take steps to protect those who might
be vulnerable. I also call on those same stakeholders to hold the
Stampede Defendants to their commitments."
Kajal Ervin (Managing Partner at
JSS Barristers LLP and counsel for the Class) observed that the
litigation against the Stampede Defendants is now at an end but
affected Class Members continue to struggle with the harm caused to
them:
"The survivors carry with them a difficult weight. My hope is
that they can find ways to heal and to flourish going forward."
SOURCE Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP