Philip Heerema, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited., and Calgary Stampede Foundation Class Action

Update

(February 6, 2024)

The Representative Plaintiff and Stampede Defendants have reached a tentative resolution on damages and costs, subject to Court approval and the establishment of an approved claims and distribution process. The resolution includes a commitment by the Stampede Defendants’ insurers to pay an all-inclusive amount of $9.5 million to settle the claims of Class Members. It also includes a commitment to additional and enhanced measures and programs. The tentative resolution was agreed to between the parties following extensive settlement discussions, including involving the assistance of two Court of King’s Bench Justices. If formally implemented, it is the parties’ hope that the resolution will provide impacted Class Members with a measure of closure and aid in the healing process. The parties will be available to comment on the particulars of a settlement agreement, claims and distribution process, upon Court approval of the settlement agreement.

Update

(September 26, 2023) 

The Alberta Court of King’s Bench has approved the settlement on liability against the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited (collectively the “Stampede Defendants”) on behalf of the Class in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench Court File No. 1701-04755.  

 

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 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.

Speaking to a Lawyer

Affected Class Members are encouraged to contact classactions@jssbarristers.ca.

Class Actions