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, nearly four years after a class-action lawsuit was settled against the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. Lawyers have confirmed that checks are expected to be sent out in mid-September, following concerns raised earlier this year by some claimants and the overseeing judge regarding delays in payments and perceived lack of communication.
Timothy Clark, who experienced abuse by a priest in the mid-1980s as a teenager and publicly shared his frustrations about the case this spring, expressed relief that the process is nearing its conclusion. Despite his belief that the process could have been improved, he acknowledged a sense of emotional relief as the end draws near.
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, requires the archdiocese to pay $10 million, including $3.2 million to the law firms involved in the class action.
Delays in distributing funds to victims were attributed to various factors, including a surge in claims toward the deadline in 2023, necessitating additional interviews with claimants to clarify details, some of whom were hesitant to discuss their experiences. A third-party adjudicator handled several cases, and payments could only proceed once all cases were assessed to determine the total amount each victim would receive.
John McKiggan, one of the lead lawyers in the class action, expressed satisfaction that the resolution is finally within reach, acknowledging the stress endured by survivors throughout the process. He highlighted the challenges faced by victims approved for compensation early on but forced to endure a prolonged wait for their funds.
Archbishop Brian Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth expressed contentment that the victims can now find closure through the compensation. Melanie Comstock, a lawyer representing the archdiocese, noted that the payouts are among the highest in Canada for such historic abuse cases, emphasizing the fairness of the process for both victims and the church.
The compensation determination process, which allowed claimants flexibility in presenting evidence and undergoing questioning for higher compensation levels, contributed to the delays. Claimants could choose between a standard route involving a written claim and a brief interview or a more detailed process with additional evidence and questioning.
Clark, who experienced abuse at the age of 14, emphasized that seeking acknowledgment rather than monetary gain was his primary motivation for participating in the class action. Despite his initial hopes for direct dialogue with archdiocese leadership, which did not materialize, he expressed gratitude for the forthcoming compensation, which he plans to use to alleviate debts incurred in supporting his children’s education.