Breaking the Silence:
Michael Gowdy’s Quest for Restitution & Accountability
Michael Gowdy’s case reveals the systemic failures survivors of institutional abuse face, from concealed evidence and legal misconduct to the misuse of power, as he fights for truth, accountability, and restitution.
For survivors of institutional abuse, the pursuit of justice is often fraught with obstacles, misinformation, and systemic failures that prioritize secrecy over accountability. The case of Michael Gowdy is one such example—an individual who sought truth and restitution, only to be met with legal roadblocks, inadequate representation, and concealed evidence that altered the outcome of his case.
Through multiple legal actions filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Gowdy is challenging the injustices he faced in his dealings with Diving Plongeon Canada, their legal representatives, and individuals who played critical roles in shaping his settlement. These cases highlight the urgent need for greater transparency, ethical legal representation, and survivor-centered advocacy in cases involving institutional abuse.
The Non-Disclosure Agreement and Legal Failures
In 2022, Michael Gowdy entered into negotiations with Diving Canada under the guidance of legal representatives. He sought independent legal advice from Tim Summers, a lawyer based in British Columbia, but alleges that Summers failed to provide a thorough consultation or ensure that Gowdy fully understood the implications of the agreement. A crucial document—the response to his claim—was never provided to him, containing information that could have influenced his decision.
After agreeing to a settlement, Gowdy later discovered that Diving Canada had concealed a critical investigative file from 2013, detailing prior allegations against the same coach who had assaulted him. By the time he became aware of these material facts, the settlement had already been signed.
Gowdy is now seeking $1,000,000 in damages for lost wages, reputational harm, and the emotional distress caused by the negligence of his legal counsel.
The Role of Wegadesk Paul and the Abuse of Power
In an additional claim, Gowdy alleges that Wegadesk Paul, who acted as a fiduciary through a Power of Attorney, failed in his responsibilities and instead used his influence for personal gain. According to the claim, Paul offered Gowdy a $500 incentive to sign over Power of Attorney, under the pretense of assisting him in securing a settlement. However, Paul later made statements to Diving Canada’s defense team suggesting that Gowdy was mentally ill—an assertion made without evidence and against Gowdy’s wishes.
When Gowdy reached a settlement, Paul allegedly harassed him via email, demanding a 30% commission. Upon investigating, Gowdy reported Paul to the Law Society of British Columbia, which reprimanded Paul for unauthorized legal practice.
Gowdy is now seeking $250,000 in damages, citing defamation, moral damages, and loss of opportunity.
Diving Plongeon Canada and the Concealment of Evidence
At the core of these legal actions is the claim against Diving Plongeon Canada, former Chief Technical Director Mitch Geller, and legal representative Bruno DeVita. The lawsuit alleges that in 1996, Geller knowingly placed Gowdy in the home of a coach under investigation for sexual abuse. Further, when Gowdy attempted to seek justice in 2022, critical information was withheld from him—material facts that would have impacted his decision to settle.
The claim also alleges that in 2022, under threat of a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, Gowdy was pressured into signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) without full knowledge of the case file that had been given to police in 2013. The response to his legal claim, which contained significant admissions from Diving Canada, was never provided to him, further demonstrating a lack of due process.
As a result of these actions, Gowdy is seeking $3,000,000 in damages for career loss, reputational damage, and the psychological impact of being denied justice.
A Call for Systemic Change
Gowdy’s legal battle is not just about financial compensation—it is about exposing the mechanisms that institutions use to silence survivors and evade accountability. When those in positions of power, whether legal representatives, fiduciaries, or institutional leaders, fail to uphold ethical standards, survivors are left to navigate an unjust system on their own.
The Restitution Project stands with survivors who seek truth, fairness, and the right to have their voices heard. As these legal cases progress, we will continue to advocate for changes in policy and legal practice that prioritize survivor well-being over institutional protection.
Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for transparency, accountability, and an end to the silencing of survivors.