Frères du Sacré-coeur reach $60 million settlement with sexual abuse victims

The Frères du Sacré-coeur has agreed to a $60 million settlement with two class-action lawsuits levied against the order in connection to decades of sexual abuse by its members.

The lawyer representing the victims called it a historic settlement. The agreement will be submitted to the court for approval. According to a statement from the Frères du Sacré-coeur, the order stressed that sexual abuse against minors must be condemned.

“Any form of abuse is in flagrant contradiction with the values and educational mission of religious communities who want to establish a relationship of trust with the young people they educate,” said Donald Bouchard, provincial superior of the Frères du Sacré-coeur.

The sexual abuse allegations are a source of shame for the order’s members who worked with dignity and integrity, he continued. Bouchard also offered an apology to all of the sexual abuse victims throughout the Frères du Sacré-coeur’s history in Quebec.

“To all the victims, the order apologizes to you for the abuses that may have been caused by religious educators,” said Bouchard.

The provincial superior added that the order hopes this settlement “can close a painful chapter in their lives.” But he also acknowledged that no amount of money can erase the actions committed by past members.

Eric Simard, the attorney representing Frères du Sacré-coeur, said the process was quick, and efficient. It was a collaboration with the lawyers representing the lawsuit victims, as they worked to find an “innovative and practical solution,” he explained.

“Sexual abuse that would have been committed in places and establishments where the supervision of employees was the responsibility of a secular direction will eventually have to be the subject of a debate as to

the sharing of responsibility,” said Simard.