COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PHASE 2

 OF THE CORNWALL PUBLIC INQUIRY  

Q: WHAT IS PHASE 2 OF THE CORNWALL PUBLIC INQUIRY?

A: Phase 2 of the Cornwall Public Inquiry focuses on reporting on processes, services or programs that would encourage healing and reconciliation in Cornwall. We will work with everyone who cares about the issues of childhood sexual abuse. Phase 2 will involve many practical activities as well as educational workshops and opportunities for people to talk about the future, formally and informally. We want a wide range of viewpoints and experiences and the development of sensible and well-founded recommendations that can really happen.   

Q: WHAT COULD BE REALISTICALLY EXPECTED TO BE ACHIEVED IN PHASE 2 – WHAT COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED?

A: During Phase 2, we could make sure we have the right recommendations for services for Cornwall and those affected by allegations of childhood sexual abuse. And there could be activities that start to help, including creating opportunities for open discussions and problem-solving. There could be educational workshops and working with the community to make Cornwall the kind of place other communities see as a great example.   

Q: HOW IS PHASE 2 DIFFERENT FROM PHASE 1 OF THE CORNWALL PUBLIC INQUIRY? 

A: In Phase 1 of the Inquiry, there are formal hearings to inquire into and report on institutional response in relation to allegations of historical abuse of young people in the Cornwall areas, including policies and practices in place in the past. As well, in Phase 1 the Inquiry can look at policies and practices subsequently developed to improve response and in place today. This phase of the Inquiry can result in findings of fact and also recommendations directed at further improvement of response in similar circumstances.  

Q: DOES PHASE 2 END WHEN PHASE 1 HEARINGS END?   

A: Phase 2 and Phase 1 will overlap, but it is likely that Phase 2 will continue several months after Phase 1 hearings end. Phase 2 is not tied to the hearings process.  

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE ADVISORY PANEL? WHAT IS ITS ROLE?   

A: The role of the Advisory Panel relates only to Phase 2. It will ensure a strong work agenda that supports the Inquiry’s work, give thorough consideration to policy issues and options and provide opportunities for the public and professionals to have a say on Phase 2 recommendations and activities.  

Q: WHO IS ON THE ADVISORY PANEL AND HOW WERE THEY PICKED? 

A: There was a process of consultation to identify individuals who had a breadth of personal and professional experience and a commitment to healing and reconciliation in Cornwall. Details about the Advisory Panel are posted at: www.cornwallinquiry.ca under “Healing Work – Advisory Panel”. The individuals are: Mr. Michael Church, Freelton; Ms. Janet Handy, Toronto; Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, Eganville; Dr. Peter Jaffe, London; Mrs. Gail Kaneb, Cornwall; Father J.A. Loftus, Boston, and Mr. Philip Murray, Ottawa. The Panel is chaired by Colleen Parrish, Director of Policy at the Inquiry.   

Q: TO WHOM DOES THE ADVISORY PANEL REPORT?   

A: The Advisory Panel reports to the Commissioner, Normand Glaude.   

Q: WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE IN PHASE 2?  

A: There can be hearings in Phase 2 but generally Phase 2 will be much more informal than Phase 1. Phase 2 will have informal and “Town Hall” meetings, workshops, seminars and use all kinds of ways to talk to people in Cornwall. It will also include practical research to obtain needed information and ideas so recommendations make sense and are likely to get done. And activities will be aimed at public education and awareness.   

Q: WHEN WILL PHASE 2 ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE?   

A: They will occur in parallel with, and overlap with Phase 1, starting in the late summer and fall of 2006. It is likely that Phase 2 activities will continue several months after Phase 1 hearings end. 

Q: HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT PHASE 2 MEETINGS, SEMINARS OR WORKSHOPS?   

A: They will be posted on the Cornwall Public Inquiry website at www.cornwallinquiry.ca. The web site will be updated as meetings are scheduled. Look under “Healing Work – Meetings”.   

Q: CAN ANYONE COME TO A MEETING OR DO THEY HAVE TO BE INVITED? 

  A: Most meetings are open but sometimes people will have to sign up in advance because there will be limited room. There may be situations where sensitive personal issues are discussed. Of course, people may need a private time for this kind of discussion. Details about how each meeting will work will be posted on the Inquiry website at www.cornwallinquiry.ca under “Healing Work –Meetings”.   

Q: WILL PHASE 2 MEETINGS BE WEB CAST, LIKE PHASE 1 HEARINGS?   

A: Many meetings will be web cast, but it would not always be practical. We will indicate if there will be web casting.   

Q: WILL THERE BE A RECORD OF THESE MEETINGS?   

A: In most cases, there will be a summary of each meeting prepared and posted to the Inquiry’s website.   

Q: IF SOMEONE WANTS TO GIVE INPUT ABOUT PHASE 2, BUT DOES NOT WANT TO GO TO A MEETING, IS THERE A WAY TO DO THIS?   

A: Yes. The Commissioner will indicate when the public can make written Phase 2 submissions and how to do it. The deadline will also go online on the Inquiry website the Commissioner makes his announcement. All submissions will be reviewed and summarized by Inquiry staff and put on the website. And there will be chances to put forward ideas to the website through the “Healing Work” section. Requests for ideas will be posted over the life of the Inquiry.   

Q: THERE ARE QUITE A FEW PARTIES AT THE CORNWALL PUBLIC INQUIRY. WHAT IS THEIR ROLE IN PHASE 2?    

A: Parties are entitled to all information about Phase 2. They can make comments and suggestions about proposed or draft research. Those parties that have full standing for Phase 2 can make submissions on all issues and apply to do Phase 2 research. Those with limited standing can only get involved in relevant matters in Phase 2.    

Q: WHAT ABOUT PHASE 2 RESEARCH AND ACTIVITIES PROCESSES? 

A: Proposed research or activities will be posted on the website and everyone can comment on it. When research proceeds and a draft paper is produced, it will be posted on the website at www.cornwallinquiry.ca -- “Healing Work – Research”. Again, comments are open – anyone can comment. Often research is presented at a workshop or seminar. When this happens, the seminar or workshop will be listed on the website. The research processes will be completely open and everyone can comment and make suggestions. The intention is to have wide opportunity for the expression of perspectives and experiences.   

Q: WHO PAYS FOR PHASE 2 RESEARCH?   

A: The Cornwall Public Inquiry. The Inquiry is funded by the Ministry of Attorney General in the Government of Ontario.   

Q: WHO DECIDES WHAT RESEARCH OR ACTIVITIES TO DO IN PHASE 2?   

A: Ideas come from many sources and having a variety of ideas is very helpful. Research can include traditional research and report writing but can also include “action research”. This type of research includes an activity combined with assessment and reporting. If good ideas are identified, and are relevant to the Inquiry’s work and can be done in the time available, the ideas will be first discussed with the Advisory Panel. If the Advisory Panel views it as practical and going in a helpful direction, it makes a recommendation to the Commissioner, Normand Glaude. Ultimately he decides what will proceed.   

Q: WHY DO RESEARCH OR HAVE ACTIVITIES? WHAT IS THE BENEFIT?   

A: The Phase 2 research is very practical – not academic. The research would focus on getting information that would help support the right recommendations for services or processes on  programs that could create a healing environment. For example, research might get good ideas that are working in other places.

Another kind of research would involve asking people in Cornwall what their views are – or getting more information about the community to support approaches that could work.

Research could answer questions that get asked all the time and help people understand difficult and complex situations. Education can give people the tools to recognize symptoms of childhood sexual abuse, for example. Those tools could help people to stop abuse earlier and today help those who have experienced abuse as children.   

Q: HOW ARE PEOPLE FOUND TO DO THE RESEARCH OR TO PUT ON WORKSHOPS OR OTHER ACTIVITIES?   

A: The Advisory Panel or parties may have suggestions and these are followed up. As well, the proposed projects will be posted to the website and those who can do the work are asked to express interest. In some cases, research organizations and academic organizations are approached. If a party proposes research, the party usually identifies who will carry out the research. If more than one person is identified for a project, their qualifications will be assessed by the Advisory Panel. Other factors will be considered such as cost, ability to meet deadlines, the quality of the work to be done and whether they have good experience and are likely to deliver.   

Q: HOW WILL WE KNOW IF PHASE 2 HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL?   

A: People will, of course, make their own judgments – and that is fair. But the Commission hopes that Phase 2 will create a situation in which individual healing and a stronger Cornwall is more likely.

As well, Phase 2 aims to identify the kind of recommendations that people will welcome and see as constructive and sensible, and will want to implement. We hope that better information and education will give people the tools to respond well to childhood sexual abuse, as parents, community members and active professionals.

For those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, we hope that broad education, better understanding, a chance for counselling and seeing change happen will mean there is a feeling of hope for the future.   

Q: HOW DOES ALL THIS CONTINUE AFTER THE INQUIRY IS OVER?     

A: There are a number of possibilities. One is that there are recommendations that are implemented. Another is that there are tools in place, including good information, services, programs and processes. Equally important may be the existence of rebuilt relationships. Saying what should continue after the Inquiry and how that should happen is part of Phase 2, so it is a real chance to build for the future.