The 48-year-old man, who is said to have had seven young victims between 2019 and 2022, is no longer employed by the college, said a statement from the Outremont borough school, which said all staff members’ criminal records are being checked.
The college, which says it is shocked by Mr Gagné’s behaviour, announced the teacher’s suspension on Tuesday.
“We would like to reaffirm our commitment to a healthy and safe study and work environment free from all forms of harassment and violence. »
— A quote from Thomas Saène, Rector and Director General of the Collège Stanislas
Mr. Gagné, who appeared at the Montreal courthouse on Tuesday, faces 15 charges, namely: sexual exploitation, sexual assault, decoy, threats, indecent acts, distribution of child pornography, providing a child with sexually explicit material, racketeering and distribution of Cannabis.
In a letter to parents, Thomas Saène, Rector and Director General of Collège Stanislas, says the establishment has mobilized teaching and education teams to respond to the concerns of students of all ages.
Still, according to Mr. Saène, an aid and support unit […] was set up today to allow students to express themselves when they feel the need.
The revelations about Mr Gagné also prompted another school, Collège Jean-Eudes, to react on Wednesday, where the teacher worked from 2007 to 2014 and was employed there, the house’s chief executive, Dominic Blanchette, said in a press release.
Finally, he invites former students or employees to contact the authorities or management if they wish to share information or testimonials on the subject.