Lawyer for N.L. abuse survivors applauds agreement with unnamed party for ‘substantial’ payment

Bishop Accountability - March 13, 2026


St. John's, NL - Lawyers representing Catholic Church abuse survivors in Newfoundland and Labrador say a new agreement with an unnamed third party is “substantial” and marks a significant step toward further compensation, though details will not be public until late April. St. John’s lawyer Bob Buckingham said money from the agreement could begin flowing by the end of the summer, calling it a positive development for survivors. Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer declined to comment when asked if the provincial government was involved, citing respect for judicial independence.



The agreement arises from the ongoing insolvency proceedings of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s, which has been under creditor protection since 2021. More than 300 survivors are part of a court-approved $121 million settlement, with about $37 million paid so far through church asset sales and a previous government deal involving school properties. Lawyers say while the new agreement will not eliminate the remaining shortfall, negotiations with other third parties and insurers are continuing to maximize compensation for survivors.

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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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