$8.7M settlement reached with EMSB over alleged abuse by former principal Phillip Baugniet

The English Montreal School Board and the estate of former principal Phillip Baugniet have agreed to a settlement with abuse victims, with compensation ranging from $3.4 million to $8.725 million depending on the number of eligible claims filed.

Baugniet held roles as principal, teacher, manager, and supervisor across the school board between 1966 and 1991. He is accused of sexually assaulting students at Lachine High School, Victoria School, and FACE School. The abuse allegations prompted a class-action lawsuit filed four years ago, led by a plaintiff identified only as "C," whose identity remains protected.

Baugniet died in April 2025, terminating a trial that began in January 2025. Without his death, victims would have faced court testimony — a burden the settlement avoids. "We found acceptable ground on both sides, but the real heroes are the class members," said Pierre Boivin of Kugler Wechsler, representing claimants. "Without the victims who came forward — which took courage, often we're the first ones they tell after many years — there would be no settlement."

A retired judge will serve as adjudicator, determining claim eligibility and compensation category. The EMSB and Baugniet's estate play no role in the claims process. If more than 46 eligible claims are filed, the settlement amount can be renegotiated in good faith, subject to court approval. The settlement will compensate people who were minors when abused by Baugniet and estates of eligible victims who died after August 21, 2019.

Boivin is aware of 15 victims but believes more may come forward once the claims process opens. The Superior Court of Quebec will hold a hearing October 28 at the Montreal courthouse to approve the settlement and review the claims process and legal fees.