A Quebec judge has authorized a class action lawsuit against Nordik Spa Village in Chelsea following allegations of sexual assault by massage therapists.. In response, Groupe Nordik founder Martin Paquette has introduced new security protocols and called for stricter provincial industry regulation.
Nearly 150 plaintiffs in the Nordik Spa class action
The legal proceedings began in August 2025, triggered by a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a male massage therapist at the Chelsea location in December 2024.. according to the report, nearly 150 individuals have since joined the lawsuit, which seeks to address what plaintiffs describe as a systemic failure to prevent sexual misconduct and assault within the facility.
Martin Paquette, the founder of Groupe Nordik , stated that the company did not oppose the authorization of the class action.. He expressed that the circumstances surrounding these allegations deserve a thorough examination, acknowledging that over the 21-year history of the business, there have been instances of unacceptable conduct by staff.
Audio systems and consent forms at the Chelsea location
To address the safety gaps, Nordik Spa Village Chelsea is implementing several new operational requirements. As reported, the spa has installed an audio system in treatment rooms—a move Paquette describes as an industry first—to provide an additional layer of protection for guests. additionally, security personnel will now be permanently stationed on the dedicated massage therapy floor.
The guest experience will also change to include a formal consent process. Before any treatment begins,visitors must complete a consent form specifying which areas of their body are comfortable to be massaged and which areas the therapist must avoid. Paquette noted that all massage therapists are being trained in the prevention of sexual violence and are required to check in with guests throughout the session to ensure their comfort.
The regulatory void between Quebec and Ontario massage standards
The crisis at Nordik Spa Village highlights a significant disparity in how massage therapy is governed across Canada. While Ontario maintains a provincial regulatory board to oversee the profession, Quebec currently lacks a similar centralized authority. this absence of oversight means there is no standardized provincial mechanism for licensing or disciplining practitioners.
Martin Paquette is using this moment to lobby for structural change in Quebec. He has called on industry stakeholders, federations, and associations to establish either a professional order or a self-regulatory body. According to the report, Paquette argues that the current status quo is unacceptable and that the public requires stronger protections through formal provincial oversight.
The legal shield of independent contractors at Groupe Nordik
A critical point of contention in this case is the employment status of the therapists. martin Paquette has attributed the misconduct to "ill-intentioned" massage therapists who operate as independent contractors rather than direct employees. This distinction often serves as a legal buffer for parent companies, potentially shifting liability away from the corporate entity and onto the individual practitioner.
However, several questions remain regarding the spa's internal vetting processes. While Paquette admitted that "instances" of misconduct occurred over two decades, the report does not specify how many previous complaints were filed or what actions were taken against those contractors before the current class action. It remains unclear whether Groupe Nordik performed background checks on these independent contractors or if the lack of provincial regulation made such vetting impossible.
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