Estabrooks Abuse Class Action

Koskie Minsky LLP in Toronto, with McKiggan Hebert Lawyers in Halifax, commenced a class action against the City of Saint John on behalf of individuals who allege that they suffered injury, loss or damage as a result of being sexually abused by Kenneth Estabrooks in the City of Saint John.

The Class includes: “All persons who allege that they suffered injury, loss or damage as a result of being sexually abused by Kenneth Estabrooks in the City of Saint John between January 1, 1953 and November 1, 1975.”

On March 12, 2026, the Court approved the Settlement. There is a settlement fund of $16.5 million available to pay eligible Class Members as well as certain fees and expenses, including an honorarium for the representative plaintiff and Class Counsel’s legal fees in the amounts approved by the Court.

The amount of money paid for each approved Claim will depend on the nature of the harm each class member suffered, and the number of Claims that are approved.

More details about the Settlement and what it provides are available in the Short Form and Long Form Notice of Settlement Approval.

Eligible Class Members can now make a claim for compensation from the Settlement by submitting a Claim Form (and supporting documents, if applicable) to the Administrator by email at saintjohnclassaction@kpmg.ca or by regular mail or courier:

KPMG INC. 600 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Suite 1500, KPMG Tower, Montréal, QC, H3A 0A3 Attention: Administrator of Saint John Estabrooks Abuse Class Action

In Person: KPMG INC. City Hall Building 15 Market Square, Suite 501 Saint John, NB E2L 3V6

The deadline to make a Claim is April 13, 2027.

If you have questions or need help you can contact the Administrator at 1-855-609-2759 or by email at saintjohnclassaction@kpmg.ca. You can also get legal advice and help from one of the law firms for the Class Members at the contact information below:

Email: estabrooksabuseclassaction@kmlaw.ca

20 Queen Street West, Suite 900, Box 52

Email: info@mckigganhebert.com

1959 Upper Water St. #502

If you have questions regarding the Settlement, more information is available at saintjohnclassaction.kpmg.ca.

• Latest Developments January 11, 2022 As a result of elevated COVID rates across the country, the trial in this class action was adjourned by the Court. It was previously scheduled to commence on January 31, 2022. It is now scheduled to commence on May 30, 2022. The trial involves witnesses from across the country, which would make it extremely challenging to conduct in the present circumstances. We are hopeful that it will proceed unimpeded this Spring and are grateful for the continued patience of all stakeholders. April 4, 2019 The Defendant’s application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada was dismissed. The plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment is scheduled for November 5-6, 2019. November 1, 2018 The Defendant has sought leave to appeal the certification order to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision on leave is under reserve. August 30, 2018 The defendant’s appeal was largely dismissed. A copy of the reasons will be available shortly. December 6, 2017 The appeal of the order certifying this action as a class proceeding was heard and the decision is under reserve. October 30, 2017 The appeal of the order certifying this action as a class proceeding is being heard before the New Brunswick Court of Appeal on December 6, 2017. August 28, 2017 The Court of Appeal granted leave to appeal and will hear the appeal on October 24, 2017. June 22, 2017 The motion for leave to appeal was heard by the New Brunswick Court of Appeal. The Court reserved its decision. April 12, 2017 The Defendant has brought a motion for leave to appeal the certification order. The motion will be heard on June 22, 2017. February 10, 2017 This action was certified as a class proceeding. A copy of the certification decision is available here. Show All