$10M settlement approved for sexual abuse survivors of Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
CBC
The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia approved a $10-million settlement Monday for survivors of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.
The class-action lawsuit was brought by people who allege sexual abuse by priests dating back nearly 70 years. The lead plaintiff in the action, 62-year-old Steven Gallant, said no amount of money could make up for the lifelong burden of being a sexual abuse victim.
"It's always with you and I think along with your own inner turmoil, you also worry about all the others you know are probably out there suffering as well," Gallant said.
Gallant was abused when he was 14. He was an altar boy in the 1970s and the priest who was responsible for his abuse was eventually criminally convicted.
Gallant said he believes his efforts can make the church safer.
"That's certainly the hope," Gallant said.
The judge who approved the settlement noted Gallant's courage in coming forward.
"Mr. Gallant, you have been living with this for decades. It takes a lot of courage, resolve and determination. I have to commend you for everything you have done. I hope at the end of this you receive some type of closure. I wish you all the best," Justice Christa Brothers told Gallant in court.
As part of the settlement, the Archdiocese Halifax-Dartmouth will pay survivors between $30,000 and $350,000.
Gallant's lawyer, John McKiggan, said the process holds "the diocese accountable for what happened in the past and creates a means by which survivors can come forward in a respectful and confidential process to have their claims dealt with."
McKiggan said most victims were children when they suffered abuse, claims that could date back to 1954. He said most survivors are now seniors, some in their 80s. He estimated as many as 90 people could come forward.
"They do have from the date the claims process begins, which will be likely January, they will have one year to come forward and make their claims," McKiggan said.
In a statement on Monday, the church said there is zero tolerance for sexual abuse of any kind — past, present or future.
"While the class-action suit is a constant reminder of the damage and great hurt that has been inflicted on individuals by members of the clergy, it is necessary to provide an opportunity for justice and healing for all victims. It is a hard thing to do, but it is the right thing to do," said Rev. Brian J. Dunn, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.
Drive south from Calgary on Highway 2 and watch as the speed cuts from 110 kilometres an hour down to 70, then 50, then 30 for a temporary school zone.
The new Ontario Line will include protective barriers at all stations to separate platforms from the tracks, something the Toronto Transit Commission has been considering adding to its subway system for years.
This First Person column is the experience of Andrew Stetson, a writer and storyteller in P.E.I. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
After years of seemingly unlimited growth for the craft beer industry, the party is winding down.
Even from a few kilometres away, Dr. Vitor Mendes Pereira is able to perform a critical diagnostic procedure, thanks to an internet connection and a remote-controlled robot.
The side of an abandoned fish sauce plant in St. Mary's, N.L. was ripped open after high winds overnight Friday into Saturday.
A police officer shot a man on Quinpool Road after he allegedly threatened them with a knife, Halifax Regional Police said in a news release.
For nearly a month, Montrealers from African countries have been gathering in the city's cafés, restaurants, bars and the comfort of their own homes to support their respective teams in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — the continent's preeminent soccer tournament.
The union that represents Manitoba nurses says the emergency department at the hospital in Swan River is running with half the nurses required, with some shifts having no nurses at all.
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is taking a brief leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany.
A fire tore through a school on Blueberry River First Nation north of Fort St. John early Saturday morning, destroying a building that has served the northeastern B.C. community for decades.
UPDATE | In an email Saturday, Air Canada passenger Heather Badenoch told CBC that CBSA officials had reached out, asked if she had anything to declare, and assured her she wouldn't have any future problems travelling.