Latest news with #CharterofHumanRightsandFreedoms
Montreal Gazette
31-07-2025
- Health
- Montreal Gazette
Survivors of CIA-linked mind-control tests in Montreal win right to sue McGill, Ottawa
A Quebec Superior Court judge has authorized a class-action lawsuit against McGill University, the Royal Victoria Hospital, and the federal government over decades-old psychiatric experiments that allegedly left hundreds of patients with permanent psychological damage. The ruling opens the door for survivors and their families to seek compensation for what they describe as 'unlawful human experimentation' at Montreal's Allan Memorial Institute between 1948 and 1964. The research was led by Dr. Ewen Cameron, a once-renowned psychiatrist who employed now-discredited techniques such as intensive electroconvulsive therapy, sensory deprivation, drug-induced comas, and repeated audio messages — sometimes between 250,000 and 500,000 times — in a controversial method he called 'depatterning.' Patients say they were subjected to these treatments without informed consent or even knowing they were part of experimental research. Justice Dominique Poulin ruled that two applicants, Lana Ponting and Julie Tanny, had presented sufficient evidence that they or their relatives had undergone depatterning treatments at the Allan Memorial. A third applicant, Patricia Edwards Roberge, was not granted representative status, although she and her late mother may still be eligible class members. The court heard that Tanny's father was admitted to the institute for facial pain in 1957, and underwent drug-induced sleep treatment over several weeks. When he returned home, he was described by his daughter as being in 'a childlike state,' emotionally detached, and volatile. He later died by suicide. Ponting was 15 years old when she was admitted in 1958, reportedly for being 'disobedient.' She said that she was given unidentified pills and later underwent electroshock therapy and 'psychic driving.' She says she left the institute with memory loss and long-term psychological impacts, including flashbacks and depression. The plaintiffs allege that the experiments were enabled by McGill and the Royal Victoria Hospital, and funded in part by the federal government through the Department of National Health and Welfare. The court found that these claims were sufficiently specific and supported by documentary evidence to allow a class action to proceed. Justice Poulin also rejected arguments that the action was 'prescribed' — or too old to be heard — adding that the nature of the experiments and the lack of transparency meant many victims could not have discovered what happened until decades later. The court authorized the plaintiffs to pursue compensatory damages, but denied claims for punitive damages, noting that the events predated the adoption of Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The case is now expected to move to trial, where the court will decide whether damages should be awarded. This story was originally published July 31, 2025 at 1:55 PM.
Cision Canada
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
New stamp set showcases pivotal moments in Canada's 2SLGBTQIA+ history Français
Stamp issue features four Places of Pride stamps honouring influential sites across the country OTTAWA, ON, May 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Today Canada Post announces Places of Pride, recognizing four vital places for 2SLGBTQIA+ in Canada. From early meeting spots to safe spaces for community organizing, these spaces were often the backdrop to pivotal demonstrations and hosted events that shaped 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the country – and Canadian society. The four stamps honour the following locations and events: Club Carousel, Calgary's first gay bar, which created an innovative members-only policy and established a space for the community to gather free from harassment (magazine story; video). Truxx, a popular bar in Montréal's gay village where a 1977 police raid – and resulting widespread protests – led to legislation barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in Quebec's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (magazine story; video). Hanlan's Point Beach in Toronto, where the 1971 Gay Day Picnic was held – considered the first major gathering of queer people in Canada and an early example of what we now know as Pride (magazine story; video). The 3 rd North American Native Gay & Lesbian Gathering in 1990 near Beausejour, Man., where the term "Two-Spirit" was first introduced and adopted (magazine story; video). Each stamp shines a light on a particular moment and location, its significance then and now, and its role in working toward equality and freedom for all. For more information about the historic significance of each location, including video, visit our online magazine. About the stamp issue The Places of Pride stamps feature illustrations that capture turning points in the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement in Canada. The stamp issue is designed by Kelly Small of Intents & Purposes Inc., illustrated by Tim Singleton and printed by Colour Innovations. The issue includes a booklet of eight Permanent™ domestic rate stamps and four Official First Day Covers. The stamps and collectibles will be available at and at select postal outlets across Canada beginning on May 30. Links to images of the stamps and other resources are below. Note that these will be added on the stamp's featured day: TM Trademark of Canada Post Corporation.
