More than five decades and 3,500 kilometers separate Paul Grimston from the government-operated detention center in Ontario where he endured abuse during his childhood. Now 69 years old, Grimston still grapples with the haunting memories of the beatings and mistreatment he endured, describing them as a daily, enduring struggle.
In December 2017, Grimston and other survivors of the training schools initiated a class-action lawsuit against the province, seeking redress and an apology for the abuse they suffered. The court approved the lawsuit to proceed in December 2018, but closure remains elusive.
The lawsuit alleges a pervasive culture of abuse within the training schools, where children in government care were subjected to degrading and humiliating treatment, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The class action seeks $600 million in compensation on behalf of an estimated 21,000 children who were sent to these institutions between January 1, 1953, and April 2, 1984.
While the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General declined to comment on the ongoing case due to its legal status, it has denied all allegations of liability and misconduct in its statement of defense. The ministry’s response is part of the legal process, with none of the claims or arguments having been tested in court yet.
Grimston’s experience at Brookside School in Cobourg, where he was sent at the age of 13, left lasting physical and psychological scars. The trauma inflicted during his time at the training school hindered his ability to trust authority figures and pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Despite his own struggles, Grimston considers himself fortunate compared to many of his peers who succumbed to addiction, incarceration, or tragic deaths by suicide or overdose.
The legal journey for survivors of the Ontario Training Schools can be lengthy, as seen in this case and confirmed by Andrew Eckart, a staff lawyer at the University of Windsor’s Class Action Clinic. Eckart emphasized that such lawsuits often span five to ten years due to the complexities involved, including gathering historical records, expert testimonies, and navigating the extensive legal process.
The shortage of judges in the civil justice system has also contributed to the delays in resolving cases like the one involving the training schools. The ongoing struggles faced by survivors and their families underscore the need for systemic changes to expedite justice and provide closure to those affected by institutional abuse.