Cornwall News

AM 1220

Inquiry Will Hear From Victims and Diocese Ruled a Public Institution

May 1, 2006 - Justice Normand Glaude dismissed a motion that would have prevented alleged victims from testifying and also ruled the Alexandria-Cornwall is a public institution. He also commented that the diocese is allegedly one of the most significant players in this matter. When it comes to the victims Glaude says it's important to hear when the alleged abuse took place, to who and by who, so they can explore how the various organizations and institutions responded. Alexandria-Cornwall diocese lawyer David Sheriff-Scott says he is very disappointed with Glaude's decision. He tells AM 1220 News the commissioner never identified how the diocese is not a community sector organization rather than a public institution. Sheriff-Scott says he will review the decision with his client and decide whether or not to appeal later this week. Meanwhile, Giuseppe Cipriano, the lawyer representing a former accused priest says, it's not the decision he was hoping for. He tabled the motion to suppress victim testimony. Inquiry lead counsel Peter Engleman says the process will not be delayed and there is plenty to do behind the scenes and there is more context setting testimony to get through if appeals are launched. Victims group lawyer Dallas Lee tells AM 1220 News he was glad to hear the commissioner say the diocese is a major player in this probe. Rick Goodwin is the executive director with the Mens Project, which deals with male sex abuse victims. He says today's ruling will hopefully renew the confidence alleged victims have in the proceedings.