Court turns down Aviva’s appeal of priest abuse case decision

Insurer must reimburse church for compensation

Court turns down Aviva’s appeal of priest abuse case decision

Insurance News

By Lyle Adriano

The Supreme Court has rejected Aviva Canada’s appeal of the court’s decision in a case involving sexual abuse by priests.

Last year, the New Brunswick Court of Appeals ordered Aviva to reimburse the Catholic diocese of Bathurst $3.4 million, as the religious organization paid victims of sexual abuse from priests. But Aviva, which served as insurer for the diocese, argued that the church failed to disclose information about the abuse, thus removing the insurer from any liability.

Aviva subsequently referred the case to the Supreme Court.

According to CBC News, the Supreme Court reached a decision Thursday, saying it would not hear Aviva’s case.

“The application for leave to appeal from the judgment of the Court of Appeal for New Brunswick [...] is dismissed with costs,” the decision read.

The judgment is final; Aviva will have to compensate the Bathurst diocese for its recompense to abuse victims, plus any legal fees.

 

Related Stories

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!