Philip Heerema, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited., and Calgary Stampede Foundation Class Action
Update
(October 14, 2022) - The Class Definition, which details those individuals who are part of the Class has been amended by Court Order to:
All individuals who were male, or identified as male, and were students, employees, contractors, or volunteers of the Young Canadians between August 1, 1987 to January 31, 2014.
N.B. v Philip Heerema, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited., and Calgary Stampede Foundation - Certification Granted.
The proceeding filed by Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP against Philip Heerema, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited., and Calgary Stampede Foundation has been certified as a Class Action by the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench in Calgary.
The lawsuit alleges that the Class Members who were male students, employees, contractors, or volunteers with the Young Canadians organization of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and/or the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited were sexually exploited, sexually lured, and / or sexually assaulted by Philip Heerema, or at risk. The lawsuit also alleges that the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited failed to provide a safe and secure environment free of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Further, the lawsuit alleges that the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited failed to adequately supervise Philip Heerema and failed to establish, implement, or enforce adequate policies, practices, or procedures to protect Class Members against sexual abuse or exploitation from staff and faculty of the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited. The lawsuit alleges that the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited are vicariously liable for Philip Heerema’s actions.
The Class has been defined by the Court as:
All male students, employees, contractors or volunteers of the Young Canadians between July 1, 1997 and January 31, 2014.
All individuals who meet this definition are automatically included in the class; the opt-out period has now expired. However, anyone who believes they are a Class Member is encouraged to contact Class Counsel listed below.
Speaking to a Lawyer
If you would like to speak to one of the lawyers involved in this action, please give us a call. The lawyers will answer your questions regarding this proposed class action at no cost to you.
Affected persons are encouraged to contact:
Kajal Ervin
(403) 571-0745
ervink@jssbarristers.ca
Cassandra Sutter
(403) 571-1054
sutterc@jssbarristers.ca