NDP calls for funding freeze at Saskatoon Christian school amid abuse allegations

Allegations of abuse at a Saskatoon Christian school are “sickening,” according to Matt Love, education critic for the Saskatchewan NDP.

Love and NDP Leader Carla Beck held a media conference Wednesday to respond to a story first reported by CBC about alleged exorcisms, violent discipline, and treatment akin to solitary confinement at Legacy Christian Academy, located in the same building as Mile Two Church in north Saskatoon. The abuse was alleged to have occurred between 1995 and 2010.

According to the report, 18 former students filed criminal abuse complaints with Saskatoon Police, but no charges have yet been laid.

Beck said hearing about the allegations was heartbreaking. The NDP leader said she was angered to learn information about the incidents at the school had reportedly been brought to Saskatchewan Education Minister Dustin Duncan, but nothing was done.

“It fills me with resolve to make sure we get to the bottom of these allegations and to ensure that something like this never happens to any student in Saskatchewan,” Beck said.

Love called for the province to freeze funding to the school, and to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Carla Beck and Matt Love (Saskatchewan NDP/Submitted)

“We have the education minister Dustin Duncan stating that he was unaware of these allegations, only to have the emails surface from the very students bringing these stories forward proving that his office was aware, and they reached out on several occasions to make him aware,” said Love.

The most shocking part said Love, was that funding was increased to the school when Duncan signed off on education budgets in June.

“We believe that if you are receiving public funds that there is a responsibility to ensure that (the) provincial curriculum is being followed at the bare minimum, that these institutions are following the Education Act, and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code,” he added.

The pair also called for any and all staff allegedly involved in abusing the students – wherever they may be currently teaching – to be immediately removed from their positions.

“Every student in Saskatchewan deserves to be safe and valued at school,” Love said.

According to a statement from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Education was made aware of a police investigation regarding historical allegations from former students of Legacy Christian Academy through a letter.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe, protected and respected in our schools and our communities,” the statement read.

“Ensuring everyone has access to a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment is a priority in our provincial education plan.”

650 CKOM has reached out to the school for comment.

According to Legacy Christian Academy’s website, it’s “The school your child needs to feel safe and be cared for.” The school’s motto is “Your child matters.”

A statement on the website from the school’s current principal, Lou Bunelle, read in part: “Our motto guides our interaction, engagement, and communication with each and every student, not only in academics but also in matters of everyday life, safety, and wellness.”