The Quebec Court of Appeal has authorized a new class action lawsuit against a major Roman Catholic organization for alleged sexual abuse committed by some of its members.
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The decision overturns a 2015 Superior Court of Quebec ruling rejecting the class action request.
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The Congregation of Holy Cross apologized and paid up to $18 million in 2013 to compensate victims for abuse that occurred at three Quebec institutions over a five-decade span.
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That agreement stemmed from an out-of-court mediated settlement, spurred by the threat of a class-action lawsuit.
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A spokesman for a victims’ rights group says the landmark settlement prompted about 40 new alleged victims to come forward.
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Sebastien Richard says the current class-action names more institutions, including Montreal’s iconic Saint Joseph’s Oratory.