For survivors like Paul—whose identity remains protected as a complainant—the delays in the case are agonizing. Paul initially reported the abuse in 2000 but found the process too overwhelming to continue. Two years ago, he came forward again, providing statements to the Vancouver Police Department as part of an ongoing investigation linked to a class-action lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that the Archdiocese of Vancouver and affiliated schools knowingly accepted Christian Brothers accused of abuse, including English, after their removal from Newfoundland.
Paul, along with other survivors, hoped the investigation would bring long-overdue accountability. However, progress has been slow.
“I’ve been waiting almost 25 years since I first spoke to the Burnaby police,” Paul said. “This happened 46 years ago, and I just want justice. It’s exhausting, and I want to move on with my life.”
Survivor Frustration and Ongoing Trauma
Mark, another complainant, described the toll of reliving his experiences for the investigation.
“There are people who risked their mental health to come forward. We’ve done everything we’re supposed to, and now we’re being forgotten,” he said.
Mark and others allege that English’s behavior went beyond sexual abuse, describing him as a tyrant who inflicted physical and psychological harm on students.
The Burnaby RCMP confirmed an investigation into English’s time at St. Thomas More Collegiate but has provided no updates. Similarly, the Vancouver Police Department has remained silent about the case’s status.
A History of Abuse and Cover-Ups
English’s history of abuse spans decades. While working at Mount Cashel Orphanage in 1975, he confessed to sexual misconduct but avoided criminal charges due to an agreement between the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Department of Justice, and the Christian Brothers.
After being relocated, English began working at Vancouver College and St. Thomas More Collegiate, private Catholic schools in British Columbia.
When the cover-up was exposed in 1989, English faced 20 charges of indecent assault. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1991, one of the harshest penalties given to a Christian Brother involved in Mount Cashel.
At his trial, Judge Gerald Lang condemned English as a “coward” and a “sadist,” describing the proceedings as the most harrowing of his judicial career.
Lingering Questions
Despite English’s conviction in Newfoundland, survivors of his alleged abuse in British Columbia are still waiting for justice.
“This isn’t just about punishment—it’s about closure,” said Mark. “We’re tired of living with this shadow over our lives.”
English declined to comment when contacted and has not addressed the allegations in the ongoing class-action lawsuit.
As survivors continue to seek answers, the case underscores the long-lasting impact of institutional abuse and the challenges of holding perpetrators accountable.
Source: Swifteradio.com
