Gym teacher arrested and charged with sexual offences in Nunavik
CBC
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Nunavik police are asking potential witnesses and victims to come forward after they arrested a school gym teacher in northern Quebec on charges of sexual-related offences.
In January, Nicolas Cyr, 36, was arrested and charged with sexual assault and sexual interference — touching a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose.
Cyr has been a physical education teacher at Jaanimmarik Secondary School and a resident in Kuujjuaq for approximately 14 years, says the Nunavik Police Service.
Patrice Abel, responsible for the investigation unit, says the alleged offences took place at the school and involved a young girl.
He says the investigation began in December after a student came forward with an account of inappropriate behaviour.
"Probably ... [it's] very hard to talk about what happened," said Abel.
The largest of 14 communities in Nunavik, Kuujjuaq has over 2,600 residents and there are 378 students at Jaanimmarik school, ranging from Grade 4 to Grade 11.
On Thursday, police asked any other potential victims or witnesses to contact the Nunavik Police Service's Integrated Investigative Unit at 819-964-2400.
"We are thinking that for the last 14 years that he was working at this school, there's maybe other inappropriate things he did," said Abel.
"That's the reason why we are doing this."
Cyr has since been released with conditions, says Abel, adding the man is not originally from the community.
Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, the local school board, confirmed that Cyr was suspended as soon as it was made aware of the allegations in November 2024.
He is currently suspended without pay until the outcome of the trial.
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