After nearly four years since the resolution of a class-action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in central and western Nova Scotia are on the verge of receiving compensation. Lawyers have confirmed that checks are expected to be dispatched by mid-September, following concerns earlier this year regarding delays and inadequate communication raised by some claimants and the presiding judge.
One of the survivors, Timothy Clark, who disclosed his ordeal of being abused by a priest in the mid-1980s, expressed relief that the compensation process is approaching finalization, easing the emotional burden he has carried. The class-action lawsuit encompasses victims abused between 1954 and 2020, with over 65 individuals approved for compensation ranging from $21,799 to $303,294, depending 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 legal representation handling the class action. Delays in disbursing the funds to victims were attributed to a surge in claims toward the end of 2023 as the submission deadline approached, necessitating detailed interviews with some claimants to clarify information.
John McKiggan, one of the lead lawyers in the class action, acknowledged the challenges faced in evaluating and processing claims, particularly those requiring adjudication by a third party. The fixed compensation pool meant that payments could only be distributed once all cases were assessed to determine individual payouts based on the overall number and severity of claims.
Acknowledging the prolonged process, McKiggan expressed satisfaction in reaching a resolution, acknowledging the stress endured by survivors throughout the ordeal. The Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth, Brian Dunn, conveyed the archdiocese’s closure on this chapter, emphasizing the importance of providing compensation to the victims.
Melanie Comstock, legal counsel for the archdiocese, highlighted the unique approach taken in determining compensation, offering claimants flexibility in presenting evidence to support their claims. While acknowledging the high compensation amounts relative to other similar class actions in Canada, Comstock stressed the importance of ensuring the validity of claims to safeguard against unwarranted payouts.
For Timothy Clark, who sought acknowledgment and closure rather than monetary gain, the compensation of approximately $52,000 signifies a step towards addressing the impacts of the abuse he endured. Despite his initial frustrations with the process, Clark now sees the impending compensation as a means to alleviate his financial burdens, particularly in supporting his children’s education expenses.
