Quebec judge approves $31.5-million abuse settlement in lawsuit against archdiocese
A Quebec Superior Court judge approved a $31.5‑million settlement ending a class‑action lawsuit over historic sexual assaults by clergy in the Quebec City archdiocese.Summary
A Quebec Superior Court judge has approved a $31.5‑million settlement in a class‑action lawsuit filed by victims of sexual abuse by priests and laypeople in the Quebec City archdiocese, which covers the capital region and surrounding areas. The agreement resolves claims dating back to the 1940s, including abuses by priests such as Rosaire Giguère and Father Jean‑Marie Bégin, and includes the archdiocese, the Seminary of Quebec, François‑de‑Laval College and the AMFQ mutual insurance company. Plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc led the case, alleging the archdiocese covered up abuse and failed to act under canon law. Victims have three months to submit claims, after which two retired judges will determine individual payouts, and each accepted claimant will receive a letter of apology from the archdiocese. The settlement ends a years‑long legal saga and provides reparations for psychological and physical harms suffered by dozens of men and women.
(Source：Google News)