GUELPH – A $7-million lawsuit alleges a Guelph man diverted millions away from Jesuits Canada and into personal accounts, enriching himself and others.
At the centre of the claim is Barry Leidl, a “senior [and] trusted” former employee of 33 years, who Jesuits Canada accuses of engaging in fraudulent schemes, deceit and conspiracy, and of breach of trust.
None of the allegations in the claim have been tested in court. A statement of defence has not been filed as of July 18.
Leidl worked as treasurer, fundraiser and finance director for the Jesuits, a Catholic religious institute, between 1992 and his retirement in 2024.
Over a six-year period, between 2018 and 2024, Jesuits Canada believes at least $3.8 million was transferred from its coffers to Leidl’s personal bank account and the accounts of family members, including his wife, Nancy Leidl, who is also named in the lawsuit.
The scheme was pulled off with “fake insurance invoices,” according to the claim.
Around six months after Barry’s retirement, Jesuits Canada discovered “serious accounting irregularities,” the claim reads, including a “significant discrepancy” in the money paid to the organization’s insurance broker.
“Commencing on a date not yet known to Jesuits Canada, Mr. Leidl used [fake invoices] to deceive Jesuits Canada into making unnecessary payments,” states the claim.
From 2018 to 2024, $5.8 million was paid to the insurance broker, of which $2.7 million was legitimate.
More than $3 million was diverted by Barry to himself and others from the fake invoices alone, according to the claim.
Millions were spent on credit card payments, and thousands more were withdrawn from an ABM and through personal cheques, and spent on tuition payments.
Nancy is said to be a “knowing participant” who purchased, renovated and sold property with the funds.
The Leidls bought and sold a home in Florida, two homes in Guelph, and a home in St. Catharines, along with making improvements to their residence in Guelph, according to the claim.
They also bought and kept two condo units in Guelph.
After Jesuits Canada got wise, Barry messaged top Jesuits Canada official Father Jeffrey Burwell, writing he had “made mistakes” in managing the organization’s funds.
In another excerpt included in the claim, Barry told Burwell, “I will do everything I can to make things right financially.”
The lawsuit alleges Barry “deleted a large number of files” from Jesuits Canada’s online storage “in an attempt to conceal his conduct.”
Barry met with Jesuits Canada officials on two occasions – once in 2024 and once last month – and admitted to the embezzlement, the lawsuit says.
Jesuits Canada suggests more money was taken prior to 2018, but the organization doesn’t know to what extent.
Last month the Superior Court of Justice ordered the Leidls’ bank accounts frozen at the Jesuits’ request.
Toronto-based lawyer Stephen Moreau is representing the Leidls but declined to comment when reached by phone, except to say the lawsuit would be defended.
Jesuits Canada did not respond to the Advertiser’s request for comment by press time.
