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 dispatched in mid-September, addressing concerns raised earlier this year by some claimants and the presiding judge regarding the prolonged wait for payments and perceived lack of communication.
Timothy Clark, a survivor of abuse by a priest in the mid-1980s during his teenage years, expressed satisfaction this week as the compensation process nears its conclusion, noting a sense of relief from the emotional burden. While acknowledging some shortcomings in the process, Clark emphasized his contentment with the impending resolution.
The class-action lawsuit encompasses victims subjected to 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. A settlement approved by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Christa Brothers in November 2022 mandated the archdiocese to disburse $10 million, including $3.2 million allocated to the legal firms handling the class action.
Delays in compensating victims were attributed to various factors, including a surge in claims towards the end of 2023 as the submission deadline approached. Extensive interviews were required in cases where the archdiocese sought additional information, with some claimants hesitant to discuss their traumatic experiences. The assessment process, overseen by a third-party adjudicator, necessitated the evaluation of all cases to determine the distribution of funds.
John McKiggan, a lead attorney in the class action, expressed relief at reaching a resolution, acknowledging the stress endured by survivors throughout the process. He highlighted the challenges faced by early-approved claimants who awaited compensation for several years.
Archbishop Brian Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth conveyed the archdiocese’s satisfaction in providing closure and compensation to the victims. Melanie Comstock, legal counsel for the archdiocese, underscored the fairness of the compensation process, citing the innovative approach allowing claimants flexibility in presenting evidence.
Clark, who experienced abuse at the age of 14, emphasized his pursuit of acknowledgment rather than monetary gain through the class action. While he had hoped for a dialogue with archdiocesan leadership, he accepted the process’s limitations, expressing gratitude for the forthcoming compensation that would alleviate his children’s university expenses.
