ST. JOHN'S (CANADA)
The Canadian Press [Toronto, Canada]
December 22, 2021
[Via Toronto Star]
The Roman Catholic archdiocese of St. John’s, N.L., says it has filed for creditor protection as it evaluates its assets in anticipation of paying settlements to victims of abuse at the former Mount Cashel orphanage.
Archbishop Peter Hundt said in a news release Tuesday that the church is requesting more time to take stock of its assets, to formally call for claims against it and to develop a proposal to settle the claims.
He has previously said the basilica in St. John’s is among the properties being considered for sale in order to pay the settlements.
A Supreme Court of Canada ruling in January found the church liable for physical and sexual abuse committed at the St. John’s orphanage between the 1940s and 1960s.
St. John’s lawyer Geoff Budden was involved in the case and said Tuesday he represents at least 75 men now entitled to settlements, though more come forward every day.
Budden says he does not anticipate a bankruptcy will affect those settlements, even though he expects the total price tag for payouts will be tens of millions of dollars.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.