A lawsuit that is eight years old has been given new life. Regina Lawyer Tony Merchant has received word that his will get a new class action hearing for his case against the provincial government on behalf of nearly 50 former residents of Valley View Centre.

We first told you about the lawsuit that was launched in 2010, claiming decades of sexual, physical and mental abuse against residents by former residents and some staff. Some of the claims go back over 50 years while some are within recent memory, but Merchant couldn't give specifics saying he believes some clients were at the facility around a decade ago. He says in the eyes of society, some wrongs should always be punished, no matter how long ago they occurred.

"Part of those certain kinds of wrongs are sexual abuse and wrongs visited upon children when they are in the care or in the control of others," said Merchant. "Valley View was an institutional care facility and many of the wrongs that go back all these (years) are sexual wrongs."

First known as the Saskatchewan Training School in Weyburn in 1947 it was moved to Moose Jaw in 1955 and later became known as Valley View Centre. Merchant says some of the residents that he's representing have claims dealing with the STS and others stem from their care at the facility in Moose Jaw. He believes there are more potential clients out there and hopes they will get in touch with his office. When he first filed the lawsuit in 2010, he had around 30 names on his list but that has grown in the years that have gone by.

His original application for a class action lawsuit took six years before being denied and then another two years before going back for an appeal. While pleased about getting a new hearing, Merchant is hoping the province will realize their responsibility and reach an out of court settlement with the former residents.

"They were there for care and assistance and many were then subjected to sexual abuse and other kinds of wrongdoings," said Merchant. "If governments can't carefully employ and monitor what's happening to the disadvantaged, then expect the courts to punish."

Merchant couldn't give a timeline for what happens next but believes the process will take another 18 months before he'll know if he receives class-action status.