Overview
On October 25, 2017, a large fire broke out at the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac, New Brunswick. Staff of the jail instructed all inmates to remain in the yard (a small outdoor space enclosed by four walls of the jail). The inmates were forced to remain in the yard for hours while the walls burned around them. Many were subjected to burns from burning tar which fell on them from the roof. All suffered significant stress and anxiety. Some have been diagnosed with PTSD.
An investigation reveals that the fire was caused by the negligence of a guard, in smoking a cigarette in a prohibited area and failing to dispose of it safely.
Valent Legal represents a class of inmates at the Shediac jail over the harms they experienced as a result of the fire.
Documents & Updates
On November 22, 2020, the Supreme Court of New Brunswick certified the class action against the Province of New Brunswick. The certification order can be found here: Certification Order
The certification of a class action has the ability to affect the legal rights of class members. For details of the class action and class member rights, Notice of Certification can be accessed here: Notice Form
Notice of Settlement Approval Hearing (August 2024)
Settlement
The Rose v. Province of New Brunswick class action settlement has been approved by the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick. Notice of the settlement was distributed online and by mail/email to Class Members on February 14th, 2025. The Province has agreed to pay an all-inclusive sum of $1,275,000, which will be distributed to Class Members who suffered the common experience of the fire in Shediac (subject to applicable deductions). Eligible members who claim the settlement amount do not have to prove they suffered any injury during the fire. Individuals who did suffer physical or psychological injury will be entitled to make a separate claim from the Net Settlement Amount.
If you are a Class Member who wishes to be compensated for damages incurred by the fire at Southeast Regional Correctional Centre, you must complete and submit a Claim Form to the Claims Administrator before Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Class Members are automatically included in this settlement unless they took action to opt out before March 15th, 2021.
To receive payment, submit and complete your Claim Form before July 15, 2025.
To view a copy of the Settlement Agreement, click here.