Mario Joseph Denis Arsenault, a former French teacher in Calgary, was convicted on Monday of sexually abusing a female student over two decades ago. The Alberta Court of Justice, presided over by Justice Francine Roy, found the 59-year-old guilty of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation. The incidents occurred between August 2000 and April 2003.

Justice Roy delivered the ruling in Arsenault's native language. She stated that when Arsenault's testimony conflicted with that of the complainant, she accepted the evidence provided by the now 39-year-old woman. The victim, who cannot be named, testified in August about her relationship with Arsenault, which began when he was a first-year teacher at Ecole Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys and she was in Grade 9.

During her testimony, the woman acknowledged having a crush on Arsenault. However, Justice Roy emphasized that this did not justify his actions. "It is not unusual for a child … to develop a crush on a teacher," she noted, referencing a similar case. She added, "The sexual relationship which occurred in this case did not evolve out of a chance meeting after graduation."

The victim described how their relationship began with casual lunches where Arsenault showed interest in her home life. After a bus strike, he offered to drive her to and from school, a practice that continued even after the strike ended. Initially, their interactions involved inappropriate touching, which later escalated into a full sexual relationship.

Neither Arsenault nor his defense attorney, Sarah Brouillette, were present in court for the verdict, attending remotely from Quebec City. Justice Roy also participated via Webex to deliver her decision. A sentencing date is scheduled for December 1. Brouillette indicated that she may seek a judicial stay on some of the convictions, as they all pertain to the same incidents.