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	Settlement Proposed for Sexual Abuse by Priests By Helen Murphy Guysborough Journal August 13, 2009 http://www.guysboroughjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45:settlement-proposed-for-sexual-abuse-by-priests&catid=42:front-page-stories HALIFAX – A proposed settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against the Diocese of Antigonish for sexual abuse by priests. If the settlement is approved by the court, victims of sexual abuse and estates of deceased may be eligible to claim compensation from a $13 million settlement fund. The diocese includes all Roman Catholic parishes in Guysborough County. Bishop Raymond Lahey and victim Ronald Martin made a joint announcement about the proposed settlement in Halifax Friday. As he began his remarks, Lahey offered an apology to victims. “Before I say anything else here today, as bishop of Antigonish, I want to formally apologize to every victim and to their families for the sexual abuse that was inflicted upon those who were entitled instead to the trust and protection of priests of the Church. “I want them to know how terribly sorry we are; how wrong his abuse was, and how we are now attempting to right those wrongs. Money can never compensate fully, but we are trying throughout this process to be fair, responsible, respectful, and most of all, compassionate. “Above all, we want to do the right thing,” he said. One year ago, Ronald Martin filed a proposed class action in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia against the Diocese of Antigonish seeking compensation for himself and everyone who was sexually abused by priests of the Diocese. The proposed settlement of the class action totals more than $13 million for all people who were sexually assaulted by any priest of the Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Antigonish since January 1, 1950, including the estates of those people if they have since passed away. In his remarks, Martin agreed that money cannot erase the tragedy of victims’ suffering. “I come here today with mixed emotions,” he said. “I am pleased that we have reached a settlement agreement after a long and often curling five years, but the damage done to myself, my family and the many other victims and their families involved with this case will be felt long after these proceedings are finished.” Martin’s brother David took his own life seven years ago after allegedly suffering as a victim of abuse by his parish priest. “After my brother’s death in 2002, myself and many others were involved in an extensive criminal investigation that resulted in several charges of sexual assault being laid against Father Hugh Vincent MacDonald. Unfortunately we never got to have our day in court because of the death of Hugh V.” After that, Martin pursued a class-action lawsuit on behalf of all victims. “I want to say to the many people out there who have suffered from this horrible situation that I understand your pain and I want to encourage you to come forward to enter into this process and let us help you find some peace and closure to your nightmare. “On behalf of myself and my family, and especially my brother David, I accept Bishop Lahey’s apology and I pray that our Diocese continues its commitment to this peaceful resolution,” said Martin. Settlement details: Victims must file a claim within specified time limits in order to qualify for compensation and benefits under the proposed class action settlement. The settlement process will be private and confidential. Class members may be required to be evaluated by a neutral medical expert. Class members and the Diocese may settle claims by agreeing to the amount of compensation, without the need for a hearing. If a class member and the Diocese cannot agree on the value of a settlement, the claim will be considered by a judge or retired judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia at a private and confidential hearing. Claims can include compensation for pain and suffering, and wage loss up to certain limits. The Diocese will pay successful claimants necessary counseling costs as well as certain costs associated with pursuing a successful claim. The amount each claimant will receive depends upon the details of the claim, and the number of claims made. In order for the settlement to become effective, it must be approved by the court, which must be satisfied that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Class members. The dates and location for the approval hearing for the proposed settlement are September 10 and 11, 2009, at 10 a.m., Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, 1815 Upper Water Street, Halifax. For more information on the proposed settlement and options for victims, visit www.dioceseclassaction.com or contact Class Counsel at the address below: Arnold Pizzo McKiggan 306-5670 Spring Garden Road Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1H6 Toll Free in Atlantic Canada: (877) 423-2050 Local: (902) 423-2050 Fax: (902) 423-6707 Attn: Mr. John McKiggan Email: dioceseclassaction@apmlawyers.com
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