Fort Vermilion RCMP charges adult supervisor with assault against a youth

August 4, 2026 - Fort Vermilion, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort Vermilion, Alta. – On May 20, 2026, a concerned parent reported to Fort Vermilion RCMP that their child was physically disciplined with a belt at a private school. The child had bruising and red marks across his thigh. Western Alberta District (WAD) General Investigation Section (GIS) took carriage of the investigation and, assisted by Fort Vermilion RCMP, executed a search warrant at the school, which resulted in the seizure of a machine belt, as well as related documentation.

Investigation also revealed that the practice of physically disciplining students with the “strap” was being used in the Blumenort Mennonite School, Wilson Prairie Mennonite School and Tompkins Mennonite School, as per their collective constitution, which has been given to, and signed by, the parents. RCMP were also made aware that the educators of these schools are not accredited teachers and are considered adults supervising children. 

As a result of the investigation a 37-year-old resident of Cleardale, Alta., was charged with Assault with a weapon. They are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Vermillion on Aug. 11, 2026. 

“We want the public to understand that these forms of corporal punishments are criminal offences and will be treated as such” said Cpl. Scott Coleman of WAD GIS. “We have made the Alberta’s Ministry of Education and Childcare aware of this investigation in order to prevent further harm to children”.

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