A group lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct by 36 massage therapists at a spa in western Quebec has sparked renewed demands for increased supervision of individuals working in the wellness sector in the province. Quebec’s massage therapy associations united recently to establish a registry of members who have been expelled due to misconduct concerns, urging the province to address a legal loophole allowing therapists to operate independently if they are no longer affiliated with an association.
Étienne Durand, the executive director of the Réseau des massothérapeutes professionnels du Québec, expressed optimism about potential progress, emphasizing the importance of government attention, particularly in light of high-profile cases like the ongoing one. The Quebec Superior Court recently approved a class-action lawsuit against Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea, Quebec, where nearly 150 individuals have joined the suit, alleging they were sexually assaulted by therapists between 2007 and 2026.
The court filings claim that Spa Nordik classified its massage therapists as “independent contractors,” failed to apologize or take corrective action, and did not implement measures to prevent similar incidents after receiving complaints. In response, Spa Nordik stated that the class-action certification is not a judgment and asserted its intention to defend itself, highlighting efforts to maintain a respectful and secure environment.
Despite recent advancements, gaps persist in the oversight of massage therapists in Quebec, as there is currently no government regulatory body overseeing the profession. According to Durand, individuals can offer massage services without restrictions unless a court prohibits them from doing so. While six associations collectively represent 90% of the massage therapy field in the province, shortcomings in the system remain, such as the ability for expelled members to join another association.
Recognizing these issues, the associations have urged the provincial government to draft legislation mandating minimum training and practice standards for individuals seeking professional designation as massage therapists. This proposed measure aims to ensure that therapists expelled from an association would be prohibited not only from rejoining that particular association but from practicing within the profession altogether.