The Archdiocese of Quebec, two educational institutions, and their insurer have agreed to a historic $31.5 million settlement to compensate approximately 150 victims of sexual assault. The class-action lawsuit covers abuse perpetrated since 1940 by diocesan clergy or pastoral staff.
The agreement in principle—signed on June 18—involves:
The Archdiocese of Quebec
The Seminary of Quebec
Collège François-de-Laval (formerly the Petit Séminaire de Québec)
The Mutual Insurance of Quebec Factories
Represented victims (via the firm Dufresne Wee Avocats)
Next Steps and Timeline
July 30: The Superior Court must officially approve the agreement during a hearing at the Quebec courthouse.
Within 45 Days of Approval: The four institutions must transfer the full $31.5 million to the victims' legal counsel.
18 Months: The expected duration of the entire adjudication and payout process.
Compensation and Apology Letters
Claimants approved by an independent adjudicator will receive both financial compensation and a signed letter of apology. Notably, the letter will not be signed by the Archbishop of Quebec, Cardinal Gérald Lacroix. Instead, it will be signed by Auxiliary Bishop Jean Tailleur (the former chancellor who signed the settlement).
"We are aware that this sum of money can never make all the suffering you have suffered disappear," Tailleur writes in the brief apology letter.
Context and Record-Breaking Figures
This marks the largest sexual abuse settlement ever paid by a Quebec diocese. It surpasses the Archdiocese of Montreal’s 2023 commitment of nearly $15 million for 108 victims.
To date, 8 of Quebec's 18 Latin-rite dioceses have settled similar class-action lawsuits, bringing the provincial total committed by church institutions and insurers to $100 million.
The Adjudication Process
Retired judges Danielle Grenier and Robert Pidgeon will serve as independent adjudicators to review claims and resolve disputes.
Evaluation: Adjudicators will decide the merits of each claim based on the civil standard of a "balance of probabilities."
Compensation Criteria: Payout amounts will be determined by the nature, frequency, and duration of the abuse, as well as the resulting damages.
Interviews: Adjudicators must meet with at least 10% of the claimants in person or via videoconference.
Finality: All decisions made by the adjudicators are final and binding.
Provisions for Living Accused: While following standard class-action models, this agreement includes special provisions allowing accused priests who are still living to request a meeting with an adjudicator to address the allegations against them.
FULL Press Release – Class Action: The Diocese of Quebec welcomes an agreement towards a settlementBy Communications Department
-June 22, 2026
Quebec City, June 22, 2026 – Officials from the Diocese of Quebec and the other defendants are very pleased that an out-of-court settlement of the class action lawsuit against them is now within reach. An agreement in principle has been reached by all defendants and plaintiffs; it will soon be submitted to the Court for approval. The main terms of the agreement are based on case law in cases involving other Quebec dioceses.
Monsignor Jean Tailleur, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of Quebec, in charge of the class action lawsuit, expressed his hope for the future: “We have worked resolutely to reach an amicable settlement. If it is ratified by the Court, we hope that the financial compensation offered will help those who have suffered sexual abuse to move towards healing.”
As we have mentioned over the past few years, we invite eligible victims to join the class action by contacting the law firm Dufresne Wee.
Since the legal process is still ongoing, diocesan officials will not comment further at this time.
Sources: https://ecdq.org/communique-action-collective-entente-en-vue-dun-reglement/
Comments