B.C. pays $35 million to settle sexual assault lawsuit filed by 100+ prisoners
The province agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by more than 100 prisoners who alleged they were sexually assaulted over 21 years by a B.C. jail guard, Roderic MacDougall.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
British Columbia has agreed to pay $35 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by more than 100 prisoners who alleged they were sexually assaulted in provincial jails by guard Roderic MacDougall over a 21-year span.
MacDougall worked primarily at Oakalla jail in Burnaby and at three other provincial facilities. The assaults allegedly began in 1976 and ended in 1997 when MacDougall retired. He was convicted in 2000 of sexual assault against five prisoners, all aged 17 or 18 at the time, and served his sentence. He is now in his 70s. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Mary Ellen Boyd found MacDougall held "extensive power" over parole applications and prison transfers, which he used to coerce sexual favours or threaten inmates who resisted.
The settlement, approved recently by a B.C. Supreme Court judge, provides $30,000 to prisoners who were held in any of the four jails where MacDougall worked between 1976 and 1997, without requiring a sworn statement. Those who submit sworn statements describing abuse and its harms can receive up to $314,000. Approximately 105 men are eligible.
B.C. Corrections must appoint an advisory board within three months to review and improve procedures for reporting and investigating sexual assault in provincial jails. The board will include up to three inmate representatives from the class-action members and provide support including medical care, counselling, and transfers for victims. Law firm fees will total up to 30 per cent of the settlement, with $25,000 withheld to establish a victim support group for class members.
The province and MacDougall face more than 200 additional lawsuits from individuals who did not join the class-action.
Will the advisory board's findings lead to criminal charges or employment discipline against other correctional staff?
How many victims still imprisoned will be able to access the support services before their release?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much is B.C. paying to settle this lawsuit?
British Columbia is paying $35 million to settle the class-action lawsuit.
How many prisoners are eligible for compensation?
Approximately 105 men are eligible for the settlement.
What is the maximum compensation a prisoner can receive?
Prisoners who submit sworn statements describing abuse and its harms can receive up to $314,000, while those held at any of the four facilities without a sworn statement receive $30,000.
When did the alleged assaults occur?
The assaults allegedly began in 1976 and ended in 1997 when Roderic MacDougall retired.
Where did Roderic MacDougall primarily work?
Roderic MacDougall worked primarily at Oakalla jail in Burnaby and at three other provincial facilities.
