Dozens of individuals who were victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in central and western Nova Scotia are on the verge of receiving 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 mailed out in mid-September, following concerns earlier this year expressed by some claimants and the presiding judge regarding the prolonged delay in payments and perceived lack of communication.
One survivor, Timothy Clark, who was subjected to abuse by a priest in the mid-1980s during his teenage years, expressed contentment that the compensation process is nearing conclusion, feeling a sense of relief from the emotional burden he has carried.
The class-action lawsuit encompasses victims who suffered abuse between 1954 and 2020. Over 65 individuals have been approved for compensation ranging from $21,799 to $303,294, based on the severity of the abuse and resulting harm.
In November 2022, Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Christa Brothers endorsed a settlement in which the archdiocese agreed to pay $10 million, including $3.2 million to the legal firms handling the class action.
Delays in disbursing the funds to victims were attributed by lawyers on both sides to various factors, such as a surge in claims submitted toward the end of 2023 as the submission deadline approached. Some claimants were hesitant to undergo interviews requested by the archdiocese to clarify details, further contributing to the delay.
Several cases underwent assessment by a third-party adjudicator. As the settlement allocated a fixed sum of money, payments were contingent on the evaluation of all cases to determine the amount each victim would receive.
John McKiggan, a lead attorney in the class action, expressed relief that the resolution is finally within reach, acknowledging the stress endured by some survivors during the prolonged process.
Archbishop Brian Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth conveyed satisfaction that the compensation closes a chapter for the victims, while Melanie Comstock, legal counsel for the archdiocese, highlighted that the payouts rank among the highest in Canada for a historic abuse-related class action.
The compensation determination process, which allowed claimants flexibility in presenting evidence, was noted to have contributed to the timeline, as some individuals opted for a more rigorous assessment in seeking higher compensation levels.
Clark, who suffered abuse at 14 years old, emphasized that his participation in the class action was driven by a desire for acknowledgment rather than financial gain. Despite the process being perceived as legally focused, he expressed gratitude for the forthcoming compensation, which he plans to utilize to settle debts incurred in supporting his children’s university education.