Most major schools in the metro St. John’s area are a step closer to being sold to help settle sex abuse claims.

The Supreme Court has ordered the province to turn over all documents related to its use of 35 schools on property still technically owned by the RC Church in St. John’s.

It’s a significant victory for claimants suing the church for abuse which occurred primarily at the former Mount Cashel Orphanage.

The schools have been used by the province to deliver education since the end of the denominational system in the late ’90s. Laws were changed to permit that to continue, as long as it’s for education.

But lawyers for abuse survivors are challenging that, arguing the victims should have access to all assets to settle claims.

Geoff Budden, who represents the lead plaintiffs, doesn’t believe government would let schools be sold and closed.

“We will always need schools, so I would assume at that point the government would step up and make arrangements to buy back the schools. That would make sense,” said Budden. “We obviously would have no problem with that result.”

The main hearing on whether schools can be included in the sale of assets to settle claims will be heard in November.