The Quebec Superior Court has authorized a class-action lawsuit on behalf of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who suffered abuse at the hands of Quebec’s youth protection services since 1950.

The class-action suit is leveled at the government of Quebec, its healthcare provider, Santé Québec, and 16 university and integrated health-and-social service centres.

The suit also names the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, as well as the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

According to a press release ordered by the court, the class automatically includes anyone who is Indigenous and was placed in a youth protection centre after Oct. 1, 1950, and suffered sexual abuse or use of force with or without the use of mechanical devices (including straitjackets, shackles and handcuffs) or chemical substances (including medication).

Additionally, the class includes all those who suffered solitary confinement, were locked in a room or cell or common area, endured discriminatory or derogatory comments or treatment related to their Indigenous identity, were subject to unnecessary medical or dental treatment, or were denied access to education.

The lawsuit is specific to youth protection schools and centres, reception centres, and transition and rehabilitation centres, as well as three group homes in Inukjuak, Puvirnituq, and Kuujjuaq (Saturvik) in the sub-Arctic Nunavik region of Quebec.

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