Lawyers react negatively to MacDonald characterization

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

16 November 2006

Local News - Reaction to a motion seeking the protection of the identity of a city priest at the Cornwall Public Inquiry came fast and furious Wednesday afternoon.

Lawyers for several parties at the hearings stood to voice their opposition to any publication ban placed on the name of Rev. Charles MacDonald or on evidence related to allegations made against the priest in the past.

"The people of this community expect this proceeding to take place in public," said Peter Wardle, an attorney representing Citizens for Community Renewal. "It would be an affront to the proper administration of justice to cloak a central figure in anonymity.

"It will turn this inquiry into a charade; a laughing stock."

Lawyers for MacDonald say hearing evidence related to allegations which have never been proven in court would find their client "factually guilty." MacDonald's attorneys suggested their client is as much of a victim as anyone else in these proceedings.

"(We) strenuously object to (MacDonald's) self-characterization of himself as a 'victim,'" said Dallas Lee, an attorney representing The Victims Group, "and submit that such insensitivity is indicative of (MacDonald's) attitude throughout the inquiry process as well as the other legal processes that began before the inquiry and continue today." Glaude has said he will rule on MacDonald's motion Friday.

The inquiry continues today.