Alumni of Robert Land Academy Seek Stricter Regulation
About two dozen former students of Robert Land Academy, a now-closed military-style private school in Wellandport, Ontario, gathered at Queen’s Park on Thursday to call for government action after decades of alleged abuse surfaced in a CBC News investigation.
The former students are demanding provincial regulation of private schools, including mandatory background checks for teachers and staff, following revelations that some employees at Robert Land had criminal convictions while working at the school in the 1990s and 2000s.
“We cannot allow this kind of institutional abuse to take place under the name of education,” said Chandra Pasma, Ontario NDP education critic. “There are actions we need to take immediately to prevent it from happening.”
Allegations of Abuse and Institutional Failure
More than 120 former students have filed legal claims alleging physical, emotional, and sexual abuse spanning the 1980s through the 2010s. The school, which closed in June 2024 and has since declared bankruptcy, denied the allegations in court filings.
Among those speaking out was Jarett Holmes, who attended the academy with his brother in 1999. He recounted being beaten, isolated, and forced into labour, saying children were punished for trying to contact their families.
“We have to impose limits on those who work with children, especially at-risk youth,” Holmes said. “This is not a political issue. We are talking about child safety.”
Holmes said former students have sought meetings with Education Minister Paul Calandra but have received no response.
Calls for Legislative Change
Former teacher Jon Krys, who briefly worked at Robert Land in 1992, said he witnessed students being mistreated. He joined the alumni in calling for reforms such as:
Mandatory registration of private school teachers with the Ontario College of Teachers
Independent oversight through an ombudsman’s office for complaints
Standardized background checks for all staff working with children
Pasma said she is prepared to table a private member’s bill this fall to push these changes.
The Ministry of Education acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized that its oversight of private schools is limited to institutions seeking to grant high school credits.
“Every student in Ontario deserves protection, respect, and the chance to learn in an environment built on trust,” said Emma Testani, spokesperson for Minister Calandra.
Survivors Speak Out
Andrew English, one of the first students enrolled when Robert Land opened in 1979, described years of beatings and humiliation, saying he attempted suicide at age 11 after enduring severe punishment.
“It was anxiety, terror, fear, and pain — and it needs to end,” he said.
Robert Land Academy has not commented publicly on the latest allegations. In its legal filings, the institution denied wrongdoing, claiming that if any abuse occurred, it was without the school’s knowledge or authorization.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre
CAMH Guide: How to talk about suicide with someone you’re worried about
