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“The defendants knew, or ought to have known that Father Whyte had a history of sexual misconduct involving young boys and of the potential danger to (the plaintiff),” the lawsuit says.

“Despite knowing this, it failed to take steps to ensure (he) and other children were protected from harm.”

The Catholic church “failed to provide any warning to those who were at risk or to the local police,” the claim states.

“As a result of the actions and/or inactions of the Catholic church, the plaintiff has suffered damages.”

The abuse occurred both at the churches and at a cabin Whyte had near Radium Hot Springs, where the plaintiff was taken in late winter, or early spring in 1974, or 1975.

“Father Whyte violated his position of authority and trust by engaging (the plaintiff) in inappropriate sexual activities when (he) was attending church on Sundays to perform his duties as an alter boy and catechism,” it states.

Whyte would fondle the boy and force him to touch the priest.

There was also an incident in which other priests were involved, the claim alleges.

“Following the incident in the cabin, (the plaintiff) was the victim of abuse at the hands of Father Whyte in a rectory in Calgary, which took place in 1976.

“(The plaintiff) attended the rectory believing he would be safe as there would be other people there.

“This was not the case and (he) was fondled by father Whyte, as well as by other priests, but does not know their names or any other information about them,” it says.