Cardinal Marc Ouellet announced that he will donate the $100,000 awarded to him in a recent defamation lawsuit. The decision follows a ruling by Superior Court Justice Martin Castonguay, who dismissed the allegations made by Paméla Groleau and ordered her to pay the sum to the cardinal. The court’s finding that the accusations were unfounded was delivered on August 31, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec.
The lawsuit centered on claims of defamation brought by Groleau against Ouellet. After reviewing the case, Justice Castonguay concluded that the allegations lacked merit and directed that the plaintiff compensate the cardinal for the damages awarded. The $100,000 judgment reflects the court’s assessment that the claims were baseless.
In response to the judgment, Cardinal Ouellet said he intends to give the entire amount to charitable causes. The donation will be made from the funds he received as a result of the court’s order. While the specific beneficiaries have not been identified, the cardinal’s statement indicates a commitment to using the money for public benefit.
The ruling and subsequent donation underscore the legal outcome of the defamation case and its financial implications for both parties. Groleau, as the plaintiff, is now responsible for the payment ordered by the court. The decision by Justice Castonguay resolves the dispute and closes the legal proceedings that began with Groleau’s accusations.
The case draws attention to the handling of defamation claims in Quebec’s legal system and the responsibilities imposed on plaintiffs when claims are found to be without foundation. Cardinal Ouellet’s planned donation demonstrates how awarded damages may be redirected toward charitable purposes following a court’s determination of fault.