Lawyer for Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet says accuser’s testimony lacks credibility

MONTREAL — Final arguments have begun at the Montreal courthouse in a defamation lawsuit filed by Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet against a woman who has accused him of sexual misconduct.

Paméla Groleau alleges Ouellet touched her without consent on three occasions between 2008 and 2010 while she was training or working as a lay pastoral agent for the Catholic Church.

Ouellet denies the accusations and launched a $100,000 defamation suit against Groleau, alleging she damaged his reputation, honour, and dignity.

During closing arguments today, one of Ouellet’s lawyers told the Superior Court that Groleau’s testimony contained numerous inconsistencies and lacked credibility.

As well, Dominique Ménard asked the judge to disregard the testimony of Marie‑Louise Moreau, a second woman who has accused the cardinal of inappropriate behaviour.

Moreau told the court last week that Ouellet allegedly rubbed his pelvis against her inside a church building in Montreal in 1992.

During cross-examination earlier in the day, Ouellet denied Moreau’s allegations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2026.