Huronia Regional Centre Class Action: What Happened?

From 1876 to 2009, Huronia Regional Centre at Orillia, Ontario provided a residential program for mentally challenged and disabled persons.

In April 2009, plaintiffs filed a statement of claim initiating a class action against the provincial government who established, operated and supervised the institution. The claim alleges that the Province of Ontario was negligent and breached its fiduciary, statutory and common law duties to the residents.

In particular, the claim alleges that the defendant’s failure to care for and protect residents resulted in psychological trauma, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and exacerbation of existing mental disabilities.

The lawsuit was certified as a class action in July 2010. The class members include all persons who resided at Huronia between 1945 and 2009 as well as certain family members.

Interesting government reports relating to Huronia include the following:

• “Report on the Inquiry into the Management and Operation of the Huronia Regional Centre Orillia” dated November 18, 1976
• “Community Living for the Mentally Retarded in Ontario: A New Policy Focus” dated March I, 1971
• “Present Arrangements for the Care and Supervision of Mentally Retarded Persons in Ontario” dated August 15, 1971.

These documents describe the provincial government’s policies and their oversight of the institution during the 1970s and demonstrate societal beliefs of the time. These documents, along with all court related documents in the case, can be viewed online at the website of the law firm representing the plaintiffs’ class, Koskie Minsky LLP.

In 2013, the Ontario government reached a tax-free $35-million settlement with former Huronia residents.