Class Action Notice Served Against Nova Scotia School Board and Teacher Over Alleged Abuse
A Nova Scotia law firm has served a notice of intended class action against the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education and teacher Matthew Donahoe following allegations of abuse at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School. Donahoe faces 10 criminal charges, including sexual assault and administering a noxious thing.
MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law has served a notice of intended class action against the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) and teacher Matthew Donahoe. The legal move follows allegations of abuse involving students at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S.
Donahoe, 53, of Bible Hill, N.S., is facing 10 criminal charges. These include assault by choking, sexual assault, and administering a noxious thing. Court documents indicate that the alleged offences occurred between September 3 and September 10, 2026, involving four victims. The specific noxious substance allegedly administered was lorazepam, a prescription anti-anxiety medication, given without parental consent or a prescription.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received an initial report of alleged assault on September 10, 2026. Since then, additional victims have been identified. The alleged abuse took place specifically involving students at the Learning Centre within the school.
Donahoe appeared in Pictou Provincial Court and was released with conditions. These conditions prohibit contact with 10 individuals and require him to stay away from anyone under the age of 18. The CCRCE stated that it takes the charges seriously and confirmed that Donahoe has been placed on leave while the RCMP investigation continues.
The law firm is seeking to hear from parents of students who attended the learning centre between September 2025 and September 2026, as well as families from other schools where Donahoe taught. Parents of special needs children have reported being scared and upset by the developments. The case highlights potential civil liability for the school board regarding supervision and student safety.