A Thunder Bay court approved a proposed settlement agreement between abuse victims of Ralph Rowe, a former Anglican priest and scout master. On 27 Oct 2023 Justice Bonnie Warkentin approved a proposed settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit against Ralph Rowe, Scouts Canada, and the Diocese of Keewatin to compensate victims of abuse.
The class action suite was filed in 2017 and sought $110 million in damages for numerous incidents of sexual abuse committed by Rowe between 1975 and 1985 when he was a priest and Scout leader in the geographic boundaries of the Diocese of Keewatin in Northern Ontario.
Since 1988 Rowe has been found guilty of over 50 counts of abuse and sexual assault involving dozens of young boys. He has served less than five years imprisonment for his crimes.
The settlement will see the diocese, Scouts Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada pay $13.25 million into an interest-bearing trust account that will then be used to pay legal fees, administrative costs, and compensation to class members.
Victims will receive between $30,000 and $350,000 in compensation based upon the degree of abuse and suffering they incurred.
On 27 Oct 2023 the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada released a statement on its website welcoming the settlement. It stated:
“Today the court approved a settlement negotiated in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of victims of Ralph Rowe against the Diocese of Keewatin and Scouts Canada. The settlement means that victims will be able to receive compensation for the abuse suffered, and to hear words of apology.
“In 2017 then General Secretary Michael Thompson indicated that then Primate Fred Hiltz was committed to apologizing for the abuse committed by Rowe while he was in the employ of the Church. The Church paused its steps towards an apology to avoid commenting on a matter before the courts and has been grateful for the feedback gained from survivors, their Elders and their communities throughout this process about the words and commitments that would be most meaningful to them. With the approval of the settlement, it will be possible for Primate Linda Nicholls to conclude her consultation with Indigenous leaders and to make an informed, engaged and too long delayed apology on behalf of the whole Church. We are currently consulting with Indigenous leaders in order to appropriately deliver that apology.
“We continue to pray for the healing of those who have suffered harm.”
