A settlement of $31.5 million has been approved by a Quebec Superior Court judge in a landmark class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec. The agreement marks the conclusion of legal proceedings for individuals who claimed they were victims of sexual abuse by members of the Archdiocese dating back to 1940.
The settlement, sanctioned by Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle, was endorsed earlier this week and was spearheaded by representative plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc. Bégin and Bolduc shared their experiences of being sexually assaulted by parish priests during their teenage years in the 1950s and 1960s.
During a public hearing in July, emotional testimonies from victims were heard by Daigle to assess the fairness of the out-of-court settlement and the requested fees for the class members.
Following the hearing, Bégin expressed his relief, describing the day as a momentous occasion. He emphasized the lasting impact of abuse, not only on himself but also on his family, highlighting the profound collateral damage caused.
Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, and the Dufresne Wee law firm has announced that other victims have a 90-day window to file claims detailing the abuse they endured and its repercussions on their lives. Lawyer Justin Wee noted that the $31.5 million settlement is one of the largest in Quebec against a diocese.
The compensation fund will be financed by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval (formerly Petit Séminaire de Québec), and Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques. In addition to the financial settlement, the defendants have agreed to cover administrative costs for processing claims, including adjudicators’ fees and expenses related to obtaining medical records and expert opinions.
The distribution of compensation to individual claimants will be determined by two retired judges appointed to evaluate the claims, with victims also receiving a written apology from the Archdiocese of Quebec. Diocesan officials have expressed their support for the settlement, aiming to assist victims in their journey towards healing and peace.
For immediate assistance or if there are concerns about safety, contacting 911 is recommended. Local crisis lines and support services can be found through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.