Former co-worker testifies to corporal discipline in Friesen jury trial

A former administrator of the Saskatoon Christian school, Louis Brunelle, testified in a jury trial confirming previous victim claims of a policy of physical punishment. The trial revolves around a 2022 lawsuit alleging systemic abuse at the school and its associated church, Mile Two. Brunelle, who worked as an administrative assistant at the Christian Centre Academy, was responsible for disciplining students up to Grade 4.

He confirmed in a 1997 Maclean’s magazine article that he used a paddle for punishment, stating, “the child is given three swats on the bum with a witness present.” Brunelle also testified to being named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The trial concluded with closing arguments on Thursday, with the plaintiffs set to move forward with the case after a Saskatchewan Court of Appeal decision lifted the stay on proceedings.