In a groundbreaking development, a Quebec Superior Court judge has given the green light to a record-breaking $31.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec. This significant agreement brings to a close a lengthy legal battle for individuals who claimed to have been subjected to sexual abuse by Archdiocese members dating back to 1940.
The approval of the settlement by Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle, earlier this week, marked a pivotal moment for the representative plaintiffs, Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc. Both Bégin and Bolduc alleged being victims of sexual assault by parish priests in the 1950s and 1960s when they were 14 and 12 years old, respectively.
During a public hearing in July, Justice Daigle heard moving testimonies from victims to assess the fairness of the out-of-court settlement and requested fees for the class members. Following the hearing, Bégin expressed gratitude, deeming the day historic. Despite the personal trauma endured, he emphasized the profound impact on his family, describing the collateral damage as unimaginable.
Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, with the Dufresne Wee law firm extending a 90-day window for other victims to submit claims detailing the alleged abuse and its repercussions on their lives. Lawyer Justin Wee highlighted that the $31.5 million settlement represents one of the largest against a diocese in Quebec.
The financial compensation will be covered by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval (formerly Petit Séminaire de Québec), and the Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques. Additionally, the defendants have agreed to finance administrative costs related to processing claims, including adjudicators’ fees, as well as expenses for medical records and expert opinions when necessary.
The allocation of compensation to each individual will be overseen by two retired judges appointed to evaluate the claims. Furthermore, victims will receive a written apology from the Archdiocese of Quebec as part of the settlement terms.
In response to the settlement, Diocesan officials expressed optimism, stating their hope that this reparative phase will aid victims in their journey towards peace and healing.