A Quebec law firm, Arsenault Dufresne Wee, has recently declared a significant settlement amounting to $15 million related to historical sexual abuse cases involving two dioceses in the Montreal area. The law firm's announcement details agreements reached with the dioceses of Longueuil and St-Hyacinthe, both of which have been implicated in a class-action lawsuit concerning abuse claims.
The diocese of Longueuil has committed to paying victims a total of $6.48 million, while the St-Hyacinthe diocese will contribute more than $8.9 million. This substantial settlement is intended to provide compensation for victims who have suffered due to the historical abuses perpetrated within the church community. The firm assured that victims should receive their compensation in a timely manner once legal fees and other related costs are deducted from the settlement amounts.
Settlement hearings are scheduled for September in both Longueuil and St-Hyacinthe, where a court will review and determine if the settlement agreements should be approved. This procedural step is vital in ensuring that the financial reparations reach the victims without further delay.
The class-action lawsuits against the diocese of Longueuil were initiated in 2019, followed by the diocese of St-Hyacinthe in 2021. To date, these lawsuits encompass approximately 70 victims across Quebec, highlighting the widespread nature of the issues involved and the significant impact on the community. The legal actions reflect a growing acknowledgment of the severity of historical abuse cases and the responsibility of institutions to address the harm done to victims.
This settlement is a critical moment for the victims and the broader community as it represents not only financial restitution but also a recognition of the injustices faced by survivors of abuse within these diocesan frameworks. The outcomes of the upcoming settlement hearings will be closely monitored, as they symbolize a step towards healing for those affected by the historical abuses in the church.
