Victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in central and western Nova Scotia are on the brink of receiving compensation almost four years after a class-action lawsuit settlement 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 about the prolonged wait for payments and perceived lack of communication.
Timothy Clark, a survivor of abuse in the mid-1980s who publicly expressed frustration with the case this spring, expressed relief that the process is nearing its conclusion, describing it as a weight being lifted off him emotionally. The lawsuit encompasses victims abused 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.
In a settlement approved by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Christa Brothers in November 2022, the archdiocese agreed to a $10 million payment, including $3.2 million allocated to the law firms involved in the class action. Delays in compensating victims were attributed to various factors, including a surge in claims toward the deadline in 2023, necessitating extensive interviews with claimants to validate details, a process some found distressing.
John McKiggan, one of the lead lawyers in the class action, noted that resolving several cases through a third-party adjudicator prolonged the disbursement of funds, as all cases needed assessment to determine individual payments from the fixed settlement amount. Acknowledging the stress faced by survivors, McKiggan expressed satisfaction with the resolution and highlighted the challenges endured by victims awaiting compensation for years.
Archbishop Brian Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth expressed closure for the victims, stating the archdiocese is pleased to have provided compensation. Melanie Comstock, representing the archdiocese, emphasized the fairness of the compensation process, which allowed claimants flexibility in providing evidence for higher compensation levels. Clark, who will receive around $52,000, mentioned using the funds to settle debts incurred while supporting his children’s education, expressing gratitude for the compensation despite criticism of the process.
The compensation process adopted a unique approach that enabled claimants to choose between submitting written claims with potential interviews for clarification or providing more evidence for possible higher compensation levels. Comstock highlighted the importance of validating claims while ensuring fairness to all parties involved. Clark underscored the legal system’s focus rather than the victims’ interests in the process, noting improvements in communication from the law firms since he raised concerns publicly.
Overall, the imminent compensation for victims of clergy abuse marks a significant step towards acknowledging their suffering and providing financial redress for the harms endured over decades.
