Goodman v. NNDSB et al.

The lawsuit is against the Near North District School Board (“NNDSB”) and Walter Llewellyn Sheppard, a music teacher employed by the NNDSB at Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay, Ontario between 1966 and 1989. The plaintiff was taught by Sheppard between 1979 and 1982.

As against Sheppard, the plaintiff claims that he is liable to the class for sexual abuse as well as breach of fiduciary duty. As against the NNDSB, the plaintiff claims that the NNDSB is both directly liable to the class in negligence, occupiers’ liability, and breach of fiduciary duty and vicariously liable for Sheppard’s actions as his employer.

The plaintiff brings this case on behalf of all students who attended Chippewa Secondary School and were abused by Sheppard.

What is the status of the lawsuit?

The plaintiff started the lawsuit in October 2024 in Toronto. The plaintiff intends to bring a motion to certify the claim under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992.

Who are the proposed class members?

The proposed class is defined as all individuals who attended Chippewa Secondary School and who were sexually abused by Walter Llewellyn Sheppard between 1966 and 1989.

How can I get more information about the lawsuit?

A copy of the statement of claim is available on the documents tab on this website. For more information about the case or if you believe you are a class member, please contact the lawyers acting for the plaintiff at NNDSBClassAction@paliareroland.com.

Where can I get additional support?

North Bay/Nipissing support services: Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre

Website: https://www.ameliarising.ca/

Crisis Line: (705) 476-3355

Office Line: (705) 840-2403

Services providers in Ontario:

Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres – Community Services and Additional Resources

Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres – Sexual Assault Crisis, Support and Counselling Services

Service Providers in Canada:

Ending Violence Association of Canada – Sexual Assault Centres, Crisis Lines, and Support Services

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area or surrounding areas and need to speak to someone immediately, there are a number of additional crisis resources available to you that we encourage you to consult if you need them: CAMH Crisis Resources