Former student testifies at professional misconduct hearing for La Ronge teacher

A La Ronge, Sask., high school teacher faced the first day of a disciplinary hearing in Regina on Tuesday after being charged with professional misconduct. 

Martina Cain was a teacher at Churchill High School in La Ronge. As recently as 2015, she was also a principal at the school. There are four separate charges relating to Cain brought up by a student who attended the school.

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Cain is accused of having the student sleep with her in her bed up to 18 times and making the same student take off her bathing suit before entering a hot tub with her and another woman.

She is also accused of organizing a strip basketball practice while the student was on the team.

The final charge relates to Cain telling the student to steal a tray from a fast food restaurant.

The charges originate between Jan. 1, 1986, and June 30, 1990, when the student was in Grade 9, 10 and 11.

At the time of the complaint, the former student was an RCMP officer who was potentially being relocated to La Ronge. 

Complainant describes her experience

Cain was an alumna whom the complainant looked up to, those in attendance heard. They shared a passion for basketball. 

During the hearing, the complainant said when her parents had to go out of town, she would stay with Cain. She had decided not to notify her parents about Cain's behaviour, afraid she would no longer be able to play basketball.

The complainant said she was taught to respect her elders, which is why she had removed her clothes to join Cain and an unknown woman in the hot tub. 

She said she regretted not speaking up during the basketball practice. Tears welled up in her eyes as she described the faces of the other girls during the practice. 

Every time she was at Cain's residence, she would see the stolen tray.

"I hated seeing it," the complainant said.

Defence examines complainant

Cain's defence, lawyer Jay Watson, asked the complainant if she remembered any alternatives to Cain's bed. The complainant said the choices she was given were to sleep in Cain's bed or on the floor. 

The complainant and Cain were clothed when sleeping in the same bed, the lawyer confirmed.

The complainant also confirmed Cain didn't offer her any drugs, alcohol or illicit substances, nor was there any inappropriate touching.

During the basketball practice, shirts and shorts were removed, she said.

Cain and the complainant did not share a bed when the team was on a trip. 

The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday morning.

If found guilty, Cain's teaching certificate could be suspended or cancelled. She may also face a $5,000 fine.