Kurt Edward Roy, 49, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail followed by 18 months of probation for stealing more than $160,000 from French immersion preschool Les Bouts d’Choux in Edmonton.
Roy was elected as president of the preschool’s parent board around May 2012. Between May 2012 and Nov. 20, 2015, Roy held positions as a teaching assistant and functioned as de facto treasurer when the position was vacant on the board.
“Mr. Roy’s behaviour has significant deleterious effects on the community,” said Justice S.N. Mandziuk in his March 13 written decision in Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton.
“This must be denounced in the strongest terms. Non-profit organizations rely on the efforts of private individuals, who devote countless hours to making the world a better place. Specifically, this Preschool focuses on educating children in one of Canada’s two official languages, a laudable societal goal that is to be commended. Thus, Mr. Roy has significantly harmed an organization that is advancing fundamental values of Canadian society.”
According to court documents, Roy’s addiction to gambling, alcohol, and cocaine is cited as a factor leading to his criminal behaviour.
Four victim impact statements were provided to the court. Each statement highlighted the profoundly damaging effect Roy’s deception had on the preschool and the community it anchors.
The statements outline how the theft from the operating budget negatively affected the preschool, impairing children’s education, curtailing specialized programs, field trips, and sports.
Several statements speak of the significant reputational damage caused by Roy’s actions. The breach of trust has had a lasting effect, eroding parental confidence in the Preschool, traumatizing those involved in its operations and leading to a marked decline in enrollment.
Roy’s criminal conduct forced teachers and staff to work longer hours and seek emergency funding to cover the financial shortfall and pay salaries. Despite this enormous task, the preschool community rallied together, with many volunteering their time and resources to keep the school afloat. This placed immense strain on all those involved, as they had to navigate the challenges brought about by Roy’s actions.
A recurring theme in the victim impact statements is that Roy’s actions have shattered the statement providers’ ability to trust others.
Roy was more than just an external actor. He was a part of the community, making his betrayal all the more shocking and painful, said Justice Mandziuk.
“The realization of his deception struck deeply, not only because of the financial loss but also because it was caused by someone they had trusted.”
