News Release Archive
COMMUNITY SERVICES--COMPENSATION CLAIM SETTLEMENT DISCUSSION ----------------------------------------------------------------- CORRECTION EDITORS: PLEASE NOTE ADDITION OF SENTENCE TO PARAGRAPH SIX The Government of Nova Scotia has invited Debra Stevens and her family to once again discuss settlement of their compensation claims. In the summer of 1995 the province initiated a mediation process with Ms. Stevens, her two sons as well as two other victims of Steven Henderson. A settlement was reached with the two other victims. An agreement with Ms. Stevens and her two sons could not be reached. The province had offered to pay a portion of the claim, anticipating that the balance would be recovered from the insurance companies for the Lunenburg Family and Childrens Services Agency, and the Hendersons. The insurance companies refused to participate. In January 1996, Ms. Stevens and her two sons launched lawsuits against the province, the agency and others. The province continues to believe that negotiation is the most appropriate means of providing compensation. The province is prepared to negotiate a settlement package with Ms Stevens and her sons. The province has also offered to cooperate with Ms. Stevens and her sons in pursuing further recovery from the insurers. The province will make a similar offer to the other two Henderson victims with respect to their ongoing attempts to receive compensation from the insurance companies. "We believe this process is the most effective and compassionate means to provide compensation to these victims," said Community Services Minister Jim Smith. -30- Contact: Margaret Murphy 902-424-4880 trp Mar. 08, 1996 - 4:35 p.m.