CALGARY — A judge has approved a $9.5 million settlement for plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit accusing the Calgary Stampede of allowing a performing school staff member to sexually abuse young boys.
The deal is related to the case of Philip Heerema, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child pornography and luring.
“This 12-year journey, in addition to being unfortunately too long, is also evidence of the pervasiveness and magnitude of the harms of one person. All the consternation, the pain, the re-traumatization caused by one person,” Judge Paul Jeffrey said in approving the settlement Friday.
Mr. Heerema admitted to using his position with the Young Canadian School of Performing Arts – which performs annually at the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show – to lure and groom six boys for sex between 2005 and 2014, as well as 1992.
He was granted day parole earlier this year and released in Calgary.
One of the plaintiffs, who made allegations about Mr. Heerema in 2013, addressed the court while approving the deal.
“The proposed settlement represents more than just a resolution; it is a critical step toward acknowledging the harm done and providing some measure of redress for the pain and suffering we have endured,” he said.
“The Calgary Stampede has been a huge part of my life, and this time of year reminds me of the deep pain and harm that decades of inaction by the Stampede have caused the community,” he added.
The young man continues to believe that the Calgary Stampede has not assumed its responsibilities.
“The Calgary Stampede does not take responsibility for its mistakes. The Calgary Stampede is relying on its insurance companies to foot the bill, he said. “The Stampede got a big discount for turning a blind eye to child abuse for decades.”
Desolation
Members of the Calgary Stampede executive were in court to watch the proceedings.
Lawyer Cory Ryan told the court the Stampede had taken steps to protect its artists since the Heerema affair and realized it had failed.
“The organization has basically failed the victims in this case. More should have been done. We are aware that this will not right the wrongs,” explained Mr. Ryan.
“The Stampede defendants are deeply sorry. The Stampede recognizes that we have failed our members and accepts responsibility for their harm and suffering,” he added.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Carsten Jensen said it was a hard-fought deal that resulted in a solid settlement.
“Today we hope to finalize this action,” Jensen told the court.
The 39 class members will each receive between $500 and $200,000.
Twenty percent of the money will be held in trust for any other complainants who come forward.
