A class action lawsuit alleging a pattern of sexual assault at a popular west Quebec spa has been authorized by Quebec Superior Court. The lawsuit was launched in August 2025 by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a male massage therapist at Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Que., in December 2024. Judge Enrico Forlini authorized the proceedings on Oct. 2, according to the court. The authorization means the class action can go ahead and does not make any judgment on the allegations contained within the lawsuit. According to public documents, 143 people came forward to join the class action between Aug. 13, 2025, and July 3, 2026. The allegations concern at least 36 massage therapists, and the alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2007 and 2026. The lawsuit alleges a “systemic problem regarding the prevention of sexual assault and misconduct” at the spa. “As a result of this misconduct, each Class member has suffered harm for which they are entitled to compensation from the defendant,” the claim says, translated from French. “Indeed, Class members suffer significant harm due to the assaults they endured, manifesting notably as anxiety, depression, sexual and relationship difficulties, and various other lasting effects.” The lawsuit also alleges that several people who contacted the plaintiff’s lawyers had reported their sexual assault to Spa Nordik and were offered gift cards as compensation. It also alleges that the spa did not dismiss the massage therapists who had been reported. The lawsuit is seeking compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of members of the class action, including the cost of the massage, plus taxes and interest, legal fees, and compensation for all pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages suffered by the plaintiffs. The plaintiff, identified only as A.B., said the suit is being filed on behalf of all individuals who were sexually assaulted during a massage at the spa. The suit notes that there have been previous reports of sexual assault at the spa involving massage therapists, including at least one that led to a conviction and a six-month prison sentence in 2021. Nordik Spa Village said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa said it would present its defence at a later stage. “As the judgment notes, this decision is solely intended to determine whether the case may proceed collectively and does not constitute a decision on the merits of the allegations, which will be examined by the Court during the next stages of the legal proceedings,” Nordik Spa Village said. “Given the ongoing legal proceedings, we are unable to comment further at this time. In the meantime, we wish to reiterate that we have taken and continue to take all necessary measures to ensure a respectful, safe and trustworthy environment at our establishment. The safety and well-being of our guests, employees and professionals remain our highest priority.” If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
