Kuujjuaq gym teacher charged with sexual offences involving minor

A longtime phys-ed teacher in Nunavik has been charged with several sex-related offences involving a minor and is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Nicolas Cyr, who has been a physical education teacher at Jaanimmarik Secondary School and a Kuujjuaq resident for 14 years, was arrested and investigators are asking other potential victims or witnesses to come forward, the Nunavik Police Service announced Thursday.

Cyr, 36, is charged with sexual assault of a minor, sexual interference of a minor, and assault, according to a document from Quebec’s Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.

The events are alleged to have happened between Jan. 19, 2018, and Dec. 20, 2024. All charges relate to the same alleged victim, who is under the age of 16.

Nunavik police are asking anyone with information on the alleged incidents to contact Sgt. Investigator Isabelle Sauvé, or the service’s integrated investigative unit at 819-964-2400. Information can be shared anonymously and confidentially.

Cyr’s next scheduled court date is March 4 at the Kuujjuaq courthouse, Nunavik Police Service deputy Chief Jean-François Morin said.

Jade Bernier, a spokesperson for Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, said in an email to Nunatsiaq News that “in this situation, our priority is the well-being of students.”

She said resources were mobilized quickly Thursday morning “to provide support to students and staff.”

Bernier confirmed Cyr was suspended as soon as the school board was made aware of the allegations in November and that he is suspended without pay until his trial is completed.

There are 378 students at the Jaanimmarik school from Grade 4 through to secondary five.