Nova Scotia Law Firm Serves Notice of Class Action Over Alleged Abuse at Pictou County School
A Nova Scotia law firm has served notice of an 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 multiple criminal charges, including sexual assault and administering a noxious thing, while the school board has placed him on leave.
A Nova Scotia law firm has served notice of an intended class action against the Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education (CCRCE) and teacher Matthew Donahoe. The legal move follows serious allegations of abuse at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School in Riverton, N.S.
Donahoe, 53, of Bible Hill, N.S., is charged with 10 offences. These include sexual assault, assault by choking, and administering a noxious thing. Court documents indicate that the noxious substance allegedly administered was lorazepam, a prescription anti-anxiety medication.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received the initial report of alleged assault on September 10. So far, four victims have been identified, though authorities suggest there may be more. The law firm’s claim alleges that students were subjected to chokeholds and excessive force, and that sedatives were administered without prescription or parental consent.
MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law is seeking information from parents of students who attended the learning centre at the school from September 2025 until September 2026. The firm is also reaching out to families from other schools where Donahoe taught.
Donahoe appeared in Pictou Provincial Court on Thursday and was released on conditions. These conditions include no contact with 10 individuals and staying away from anyone under the age of 18.
A spokesperson for the CCRCE stated that the charges are deeply troubling. The board confirmed that Donahoe has been placed on leave while the RCMP investigation continues.
The law firm plans to file a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and seek certification for a class action after the mandatory two-month notice period for Crown agents expires.