Nova Scotia law firm files notice of class action over alleged teacher abuse
The action targets a school board and a teacher facing criminal charges, including sexual assault and administering a sedative.
NEW GLASGOW — A Nova Scotia law firm has served a notice of an intended class action against the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education and a teacher facing criminal charges over alleged abuse of students.
The class action is on behalf of students at the Learning Centre at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S.
Matthew Donahoe, a 53-year-old teacher from Bible Hill, N.S., who worked at the school, is facing 10 criminal charges, including two counts of assault by choking, sexual assault, and administering a noxious thing.
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Court documents show the alleged offences took place between Sept. 3 and Sept. 10, 2026, and involved four victims.
“The parents of these vulnerable, special needs children are scared and upset,” said Jamie MacGillivray, the founder and CEO of MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law.
“We hope we can support them to get the help they need.”
The law firm says it has four plaintiffs and is looking to hear from other parents and guardians of students who attended the learning centre between September 2025 and September 2026.
It also wants to hear from families of students at other schools where Donahoe taught.
The firm says its claim will allege that a sedative was administered to a student without a prescription or parental consent, and that students were subjected to chokeholds and excessive force.
Court documents show that the noxious substance allegedly administered was lorazepam, a prescription anti-anxiety medication.
RCMP said they received a report on Sept. 10 of an alleged assault at the school.
Police said additional victims have been identified since the Sept. 10 report and they believe there could be more.
Nova Scotia RCMP said the school district removed the teacher’s access to the school and students after the initial report.
The Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education did not immediately provide comment regarding the notice of intended action.
“These charges are deeply troubling, and I can assure you that CCRCE takes these matters very seriously,” a spokesperson for the centre said in a statement on Thursday.
“The school has notified families that the individual has been placed on leave as the RCMP continues its investigation.”
Donahoe appeared in Pictou Provincial Court on Thursday and was released on conditions, including that he not have contact with 10 individuals and that he stay away from anyone under the age of 18.
Attempts by Global News to reach Donahoe regarding the potential civil action were unsuccessful.
MacGillivray Law said that the CCRCE, which is a Crown agent, is entitled to two months’ notice before legal action can be taken against it.
The law firm said it plans to file a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia when the two-month period expires, and seek certification for a class action.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and Global News