The Calgary Stampede and Calgary Stampede Foundation have reached a tentative settlement agreement in the ongoing class action lawsuit related to sexual abuse by former Young Canadians School of Performing Arts staffer Philip Heerema.
Heerema pleaded guilty in 2018 to a variety of charges, including sexual assault, related to the abuse of Young Canadians performers.
The settlement would pay an all-inclusive total of $9.5 million to class action members and includes a commitment by the Stampede towards additional and enhanced measures towards protecting performers.
“If formally implemented, it is the parties’ hope that the resolution will provide impacted Class Members with a measure of closure and aid in the healing process,” read a statement on behalf of the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Stampede Foundation.
“The parties will be available to comment on the particulars of a settlement agreement, claims and distribution process, upon Court approval of the settlement agreement.”
The agreement was said to have been reached after extensive settlement discussions that involved two Court of King’s Bench Justices.
