By Canadian Press

Probes of Montreal-area high school ordered after coaches arrested on sex charges

Feb 8, 2022 | 9:07 AM

MONTREAL — Two investigations have been ordered into the allegedly toxic climate at a Montreal high school where three coaches were arrested on sex charges last week.

In a statement, the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school board says that after seeing reports about the situation at École secondaire Saint-Laurent, the board has ordered an independent probe.

Also today, Education Minister Jean-François Roberge announced he’d ordered a departmental investigation at the school under a provision of the Education Act.

In the aftermath of the arrests of three basketball coaches on sex-related charges last week, witnesses told La Presse they’d tried to denounce the alleged abuse of coaches, but a climate of verbal abuse and intimidation allegedly prevailed in the girls basketball program.

Last Wednesday, police arrested Daniel Lacasse and Charles-Xavier Boislard, both 43, and Robert Luu, 31. Together they face eight charges involving two female victims, with the offences alleged to have occurred between 2008 and 2017.

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The school board, known in Quebec as a service centre, says it has hired an external firm to establish a “fair portrait” of the situation and says it is committed to the safety and well-being of students and staff.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2022.

The Canadian Press