A landmark $31.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec has been approved by a Quebec Superior Court judge. The agreement brings an end to years of legal battles for individuals who claimed they were victims of sexual abuse by Archdiocese members dating back to 1940.
The settlement, sanctioned by Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle, was spearheaded by representative plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc. Bégin and Bolduc shared their experiences of being sexually assaulted by parish priests in the 1950s and 1960s when they were teenagers.
Following a public hearing in July where victims provided emotional testimonies, Daigle evaluated the out-of-court settlement and associated fees to ensure they were in the best interest of the class members. Bégin expressed relief at the judge’s approval, emphasizing the lasting impact of the abuse on his life and family.
Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, with the opportunity for other victims to submit claims within the next 90 days detailing the abuse they suffered and its repercussions. Legal representative Justin Wee highlighted that the $31.5 million settlement is one of the largest against a diocese in Quebec.
The compensation fund will be funded by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval, and the Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques. In addition to the monetary compensation, the defendants have agreed to cover administrative costs for processing claims, including fees for adjudicators and necessary medical and expert evaluations.
The final compensation amount for each victim will be determined by two retired judges overseeing the assessment process. Alongside the financial settlement, victims will also receive a formal apology from the Archdiocese of Quebec. Diocesan officials expressed hope that this step towards reparation will aid victims in their journey towards healing and peace.
