Monday, September 8, 2025
  • Login
Forbes 40under40
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Forbes 40under40
No Result
View All Result
Home Money

MARTIN: Class-action lawsuit shines light on torment of past abuse

by Riah Marton
in Money
MARTIN: Class-action lawsuit shines light on torment of past abuse
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Breadcrumb Trail Links

  1. News
  2. Crime
  3. Opinion
  4. Columnists
Get the latest from Kevin Martin straight to your inbox

Published Dec 05, 2024  •  Last updated 30 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

The Calgary Courts Centre in downtown Calgary. Photo by Jim Wells /Postmedia archive

Article content

It must be utterly horrible to be haunted by one’s past, especially one that stretches back more than four decades.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Calgary Sun

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account and fewer ads.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

or

Article content

Article content

Article content

But such is the reality for Bobbie Bees, the plaintiff at the centre of a class-action lawsuit against the federal government over acts of sexual abuse by a Canadian Armed Forces chaplain at an Edmonton base before the priest/soldier’s court martial in 1980.

Father Angus McRae, who was a captain stationed at Canadian Forces Base Namao between 1978 and 1980, was a child molesting pedophile who left in his wake several broken children.

And although Bees was never directly abused by the now-deceased predator, he was still one of his victims according to a Calgary-filed lawsuit which was just certified as a class-action case.

In approving the class-action process, which means any victim can come forward and join in the lawsuit, Calgary Court of King’s Bench Justice Richard Neufeld noted Bees was alleged to have been abused by one of McRae’s altar boys, known by the initials P.S., between the ages of seven and nine.

opening envelope

Calgary Sun Headline News

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Thanks for signing up!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Calgary Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

He alleges P.S., who was about 12 to 14 years old at the time, took him to the base chapel where he was drugged and sexually abused in the presence of McRae and the priest arranged for P.S. to babysit Bees where further sexual abuse took place.

McRae, who was never criminally prosecuted for his predatory behaviour as a soldier, admitted in a Catholic diocese ecclesiastical court in June 1980, that he had sexually abused “several minors” over the preceding “couple of years.”

Among his victims was the altar boy, P.S., who brought a civil action in 2008, against the perpetrator which was settled out of court. McRae died in 2011.

Bees has led the charge for several years for justice for himself and other former children who suffered abuse either from McRae, or with his blessing.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Because of that, Neufeld found Bees was an appropriate representative plaintiff in the lawsuit, which was filed more than three years ago in Calgary.

“Mr. Bees has, for many years, pursued access to justice in respect of his claim of sexual abuse as a child,” the judge noted.

“He appears to have suffered many years of torment and depression which he attributes to his childhood experience.”

The judge said Bees has agreed to take on the responsibility of a representative plaintiff and confirmed his willingness to carry the case to its conclusion.

“This is despite his intention to seek medical assistance in death, as the ultimate respite from his lifelong depression, after it becomes available for those whose underlying medical condition is mental illness,” wrote Neufeld.

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“One can only hope that access to justice, however this action is resolved, will lead or assist Mr. Bees to find a different path.”

Parliament has approved Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for those suffering severe mental illness, but has twice delayed the implementation of the approval, now to take effect March 17, 2027.

Bees played a part in making that happen, having filed a written submission to a Parliamentary committee in May 2022, in support of MAiD for the mentally ill.

“I would ask the committee to understand that this life of mine belongs to no one but myself,” he wrote.

“I had no say in the matter of my sexual abuse or how my sexual abuse was dealt with. I had no say towards how my mental health as a child was neglected.

“Allow me the dignity to determine how and when my life will end.

“Allow me the dignity to die in a peaceful and painless manner.

“Allow me the dignity to not have to die alone.”

Hopefully the justice system will eventually help Bees exorcise his demons. Whether that assists him to find that different path Neufeld spoke about will be for him to ultimately decide.

KMartin@postmedia.com

X: @KMartinCourts

Article content

Share this article in your social network

Tags: abuseClassActionLawsuitLightMartinShinesTorment
Riah Marton

Riah Marton

I'm Riah Marton, a dynamic journalist for Forbes40under40. I specialize in profiling emerging leaders and innovators, bringing their stories to life with compelling storytelling and keen analysis. I am dedicated to spotlighting tomorrow's influential figures.

Next Post
Deny’ ‘Depose’ and ‘Defend’: Chilling Cryptic Messages Found on Bullets After Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Deny' 'Depose' and 'Defend': Chilling Cryptic Messages Found on Bullets After Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Forbes 40under40 stands as a distinguished platform revered for its commitment to honoring and applauding the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals who have yet to reach the age of 40. This esteemed initiative serves as a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting trailblazers across various industries and domains, showcasing their innovation, leadership, and impact on a global scale.

 
 
 
 

NEWS

  • Forbes Magazine
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Money
  • Leadership
  • Real Estate
  • Lifestyle
Instagram Facebook Youtube

© 2025 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle

© 2024 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In