Alberta Judge Approves Millions In Payouts To John Ware School Abuse Survivors

An Alberta judge has approved payouts totaling millions of dollars in a class-action lawsuit brought by more than 50 former students of John Ware Junior High School in Calgary. The students alleged they suffered sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of two former teachers between 1988 and 2004.

Calgary Court of King’s Bench Justice Michele Hollins accepted the payouts in seven classes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The maximum payout awarded was $422,000, to be paid by May 17, and will be received by 12 complainants. Other complainants will receive payments of $322,000, $222,000, $122,000, $72,000, $47,000, or $24,000, depending on the extent and severity of the abuse they experienced.

“Thank you again, all of you, for your work on this and the legal of co-operation and organization has been very appreciated by this court,” Justice Hollins said, according to reporting from CityNews Calgary.

The lawsuit named both the Calgary Board of Education and the teachers at John Ware School as responsible for the alleged abuse. Michael Gregory, a teacher at the school for 20 years, was charged in 2021 with 17 counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. However, Gregory died shortly after the charges were laid, and his death was not considered criminal.

Fred Archer, another teacher at the school, was also named in the lawsuit. Archer was previously convicted of abusing boys at a different school.

The settlement includes $15.8 million from the Calgary Board of Education and a smaller amount from Gregory’s estate. The agreement also provides opportunities for victims to collaborate with the school division on policy and training improvements.

The allegations against the teachers at John Ware School span a period of 16 years, from 1988 to 2004. The case has drawn significant attention and prompted calls for greater accountability and safeguards within the education system.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, resources are available. You can contact the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-1234, or visit the Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Services at https://aasas.ca/.