Dozens of individuals who were sexually abused by Catholic priests in central and western Nova Scotia are on track to receive compensation, almost four years after the resolution of a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. Lawyers have confirmed that checks are expected to be sent out in mid-September, addressing previous concerns from some claimants and the overseeing judge regarding delays and communication issues.
Timothy Clark, a survivor of abuse by a priest in the mid-1980s who publicly expressed frustrations earlier this year, expressed relief that the compensation process is nearing its conclusion, stating that it feels like a weight is being lifted off his shoulders. The class-action lawsuit encompasses victims who suffered abuse between 1954 and 2020, with over 65 individuals approved for compensation ranging from $21,799 to $303,294 based on the severity of the abuse and resulting harm.
The settlement, approved by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Christa Brothers in November 2022, mandates the archdiocese to pay $10 million, including $3.2 million to the law firms handling the class action. Delays in distributing the funds were attributed to a surge in claims towards the submission deadline in 2023, necessitating interviews with claimants to clarify details, a process that some individuals found challenging.
John McKiggan, one of the lead lawyers in the class action, acknowledged the stress experienced by survivors throughout the process and highlighted the complexity of assessing each case to determine appropriate compensation. He emphasized the importance of resolving the matter and expressed empathy for victims who faced prolonged waiting periods for their compensation.
Archbishop Brian Dunn expressed satisfaction that the compensation marks a step towards closure for the victims, while lawyer Melanie Comstock noted that the payouts rank among the highest for similar class actions in Canada. She highlighted the dual objective of ensuring fair compensation for victims while preventing invalid claims, which contributed to the payment process duration.
Claimant Clark, who sought acknowledgment rather than financial gain through the lawsuit, acknowledged the importance of the compensation and shared plans to utilize the funds to address personal debts incurred to support his children’s education. Despite some criticism about the lack of communication during the process, Clark expressed gratitude for the impending compensation and its potential impact on his financial situation.
