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.

Read More

'Other Victims Out There' - Lawsuit Claims Sex Abuse By Kingsville Priest Led to Lifelong Trauma

By Patricia Grell • May 26, 2026
Windsor Star - May 1, 2026 Windsor, ON - A woman from the Windsor area is suing the Roman Catholic Diocese of London, alleging a priest sexually abused her as a child in 1979–80, leading to lifelong emotional and psychological harm. The lawsuit adds to past abuse allegations against the diocese and underscores both the lasting impact of childhood abuse and the challenges survivors face in reporting it years later.

Province To Cover $45.8 Million of St.John's Abuse Victims' Settlement

By Patricia Grell • May 26, 2026
Bishop Accountability - April 25, 2026 St.John's, NF - The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute $45.8 million toward a $121 million settlement for survivors abused at Catholic-run institutions, including Mount Cashel Orphanage. The payment helps cover compensation the bankrupt archdiocese cannot fully fund, following decades of legal battles and a 2021 Supreme Court ruling holding the Church liable, though a funding shortfall remains.
More Posts