A groundbreaking $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 brings an end to legal proceedings for individuals who claimed they were victims of sexual abuse by Archdiocese members dating back to 1940.

Led by representative plaintiffs Gaétan Bégin and Pierre Bolduc, the settlement was granted approval by Quebec Superior Court Justice Danye Daigle earlier this week. Bégin and Bolduc shared their personal 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 his gratitude for the historic day, emphasizing the lasting impact of the abuse on his life and family.

Approximately 200 individuals have already joined the class action, with the Dufresne Wee law firm inviting other victims to submit claims within 90 days detailing the abuse suffered and its consequences. Lawyer Justin Wee highlighted that the $31.5 million settlement stands as one of the largest against a diocese in Quebec.

Financed by the Archdiocese of Quebec, Séminaire de Québec, Collège François-de-Laval, and Mutual Insurance of Quebec Fabriques, the compensation fund will cover not only the settlement amount but also the costs associated with managing the claims process. The defendants have committed to covering expenses such as adjudicators’ fees, medical records retrieval, and expert opinions as needed.

The distribution of compensation to each victim 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 conveyed their support for the settlement, expressing hope that it will aid victims in their journey towards healing and peace.