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 concludes a lengthy legal battle for individuals who alleged they were victims of sexual abuse by Archdiocese members dating back to 1940.
The settlement, endorsed by Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle, was spearheaded by representative plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc. Bégin and Bolduc shared their accounts 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 requested fees for the class members. Following the hearing, Bégin expressed relief at the outcome, noting the profound impact of the abuse on his life and family.
Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, and other victims have 90 days to file claims detailing their experiences of abuse and its repercussions. The $31.5 million compensation fund, financed by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval, and Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques, represents one of the largest settlements against a diocese in Quebec.
In addition to the compensation fund, the defendants will cover expenses related to managing the claims process, including fees for adjudicators and acquiring necessary documentation. The allocation of compensation to each victim will be determined by appointed retired judges, and victims will receive a formal apology from the Archdiocese of Quebec.
Diocesan officials have expressed support for the settlement, stating their hope that it will aid victims in their healing journey.
