Class action tests Nordik Spa’s duty of care

Tashi Farmilo

A proposed class action has been filed against Nordik Spa Village in Old Chelsea, alleging that clients were sexually assaulted during massage treatments and that the spa failed to implement adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.

The application for authorisation was filed on August 13 by Montreal-based law firm Lambert Avocats and remains before the Quebec Superior Court. The action is brought on behalf of a plaintiff identified as A.B., who alleges she was assaulted during a December 2, 2024 appointment. If authorised, the class would include all individuals who allege they were sexually assaulted while receiving massage treatments at the spa.

Recent reporting by Le Journal de Montréal and Le Journal de Québec, based on court filings, describes a wider pattern of complaints involving approximately a dozen alleged victims and at least five massage therapists dating back to 2019. The media reports also highlight a related civil case filed earlier this year. A key legal question expected to emerge concerns the nature of the relationship between the spa and its therapists: while Nordik has described them as independent contractors, plaintiffs argue the company exercises significant control over bookings, uniforms, and the day-to-day operations of treatment services.

Police and regulatory records further contextualize the claims. In April 2023, the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais police service arrested a 45-year-old massage therapist in connection with an alleged sexual assault said to have occurred at Nordik Spa in December 2022. Authorities issued a public call for other potential victims to come forward.

Separately, Quebec’s alcohol and gaming authority issued a decision in 2022 concluding that the spa had negatively impacted public order between 2015 and 2018. The regulator cited instances of intoxication, the presence of illicit substances, acts of violence, and at least one sexual assault. The spa reportedly responded by introducing stronger alcohol control measures and mandatory training for staff.

Nordik Spa has not addressed the specific allegations in the class action but emphasized its commitment to guest safety. “Nordik Spa Village Chelsea does not tolerate any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour by the massage therapists practising in our establishment,” said Isabelle Mathieu, general manager of Groupe Nordik. “All therapists undergo rigorous screening from the outset, including a criminal background check, and audits are conducted throughout their time at the spa. We will comment on the allegations contained in the class action that has just been filed against us, with full transparency, at the appropriate time. It is our policy to co-operate fully with authorities whenever allegations are brought to our attention. For now, we would like to reassure the public about the rigour of our internal controls and our lack of tolerance for any behaviour that compromises the safety or trust of our guests.”

Under Quebec civil procedure, a judge must first determine whether the proposed class meets the legal threshold for certification. If authorised, the case would proceed to discovery, where the court could examine Nordik Spa’s policies and practices in detail.

Lambert Avocats has invited individuals who believe they may be part of the class to contact the firm via its online intake form, by telephone at (514) 526-2378 or 1-855-331-1010, or by email at info@lambertavocats.ca.