Abuse Victims Reach $31.5M Joint Settlement with Quebec Archdiocese, 2 Institutions, Insurer

OSV News - June 30, 2026


Quebec, ON - The Archdiocese of Quebec, the Seminary of Quebec, Collège François-de-Laval, and their insurer have agreed to a $31.5 million settlement to compensate about 150 people who say they were sexually abused by clergy or pastoral staff since 1940. The agreement, signed on June 18, 2026, still requires court approval on July 30. If approved, eligible claimants will receive compensation and a formal apology letter from Auxiliary Bishop Jean Tailleur. Independent adjudicators will review each claim and determine compensation based on the evidence and the severity of the abuse. This is the largest settlement of its kind by a Quebec diocese and brings the total compensation promised by eight Quebec dioceses in similar cases to about $100 million.


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Former Montreal Priest Convicted in 2019 Of Abusing Boys Facing New Charges

By Patricia Grell • September 4, 2026
The Canadian Press - September 1, 2026 Montreal, QC - Former Montreal priest Brian Boucher, who was convicted in 2019 of sexually abusing two boys and sentenced to eight years in prison, is now facing new charges related to possessing and accessing child sexual abuse material. The alleged offences occurred between April 7 and April 9, and his case has been postponed until September 8. Boucher was granted statutory release in 2024 under strict conditions, including avoiding children and his victims. Still, his release conditions were tightened in 2025 after he was reportedly seen near areas where one victim and his family were likely to be. He was formally removed from the priesthood in 2020 following his conviction and an independent inquiry that criticized the Montreal Catholic diocese for its handling of earlier complaints against him.

After Lengthy Wait, Victims of Priest Abuse in N.S. To Finally Receive Payouts

By Patricia Grell • September 2, 2026
Bishop Accountability + CBC News (Halifax) - August 27, 2026  Halifax, NS - Dozens of victims of historical sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Nova Scotia are expected to receive compensation in mid-September, nearly four years after a $10-million settlement was approved. More than 65 victims have been approved for payments ranging from about $21,800 to $303,000, but delays occurred because of the large number of claims and lengthy assessments. Some survivors criticized the process and lack of communication, while lawyers and the archdiocese say the settlement process was fair.
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