A landmark $31.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec has been given the green light by a Quebec Superior Court judge. This resolution brings an end to years of legal battles for individuals who alleged being victims of sexual assault by Archdiocese members dating back to 1940.
The settlement, spearheaded by representative plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc, received approval from Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle. Bégin and Bolduc shared their harrowing experiences of being sexually abused by parish priests in the 1950s and 1960s when they were teenagers.
Following a public hearing in July where emotional testimonies were heard from victims, Judge Daigle assessed the out-of-court agreement and associated fees to ensure they were in the best interests of the class members. Bégin, now 86, described the day as historic, emphasizing the enduring impact of the abuse on his life and family.
Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, with the Dufresne Wee law firm granting a 90-day window for additional victims to submit claims detailing the abuse they suffered. Attorney Justin Wee highlighted that the $31.5 million settlement stands as one of the largest in Quebec involving a diocese.
The compensation fund will be funded by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval, and Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques. Apart from the financial settlement, defendants have agreed to cover administrative costs and fees related to processing claims, including fees for adjudicators and acquiring medical and expert opinions as necessary.
Each victim’s compensation will be determined by two retired judges appointed to evaluate the claims, with recipients also receiving a formal apology from the Archdiocese of Quebec. Diocesan officials expressed hope that this reparation phase will aid victims in their journey towards peace and healing.
If you require immediate assistance or are in danger, please contact 911. For local support services, consider accessing crisis lines and resources through the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.