December 2, 1996
(Justice)
Government makes settlement offers to Mount Cashel claimants
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chris Decker, today announced that the government has reached a settlement with one of the victims of abuse at the Mount Cashel orphanage, and has made an offer to settle the claims of 38 other individuals whose cases have not yet gone forward.
The matter currently before the court has been settled. Danny Williams, who also represents 38 other victims, has informed the minister that he will advise his clients the offer is a fair and reasonable one, and he will recommend that they accept 0it.
"I am very pleased that the concerted efforts of counsel for the claimants and counsel for the government have yielded a settlement offer which I believe is fair in light of the circumstances, and which would provide reasonable compensation to those who have suffered as a result of their experiences at Mount Cashel," said the minister.
"The government has viewed it as a priority to settle these matters. Through diligence and hard work by all parties involved over the last few weeks, we have been able to reach a fair accommodation. I commend all parties for their efforts," he added.
The minister said the government will seek reimbursement from the Christian Brothers and the Roman Catholic Church.
"The government wishes to settle these claims expeditiously so as to bring some closure to this matter," said the minister.
Contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-0110.
| 1996 12 02 | 11:10 a.m. |
