Allegations Against Late Priest Prompt Niagara Pro-Life Scholarship To Continue Under New Name
Thorold Today - July 24, 2026
Niagara, ON - Niagara Region Right to Life has renamed its national pro-life scholarship after allegations of historical sexual abuse against the late Fr. Ted Colleton, for whom it had been named since 2001. The change follows an investigation launched in Ireland after one survivor reported abuse. While no Canadian victims have come forward publicly, the Spiritans are encouraging others to report any abuse, and survivor advocates have welcomed the decision to remove Colleton’s name.
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.
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.