Witness doesn't mince words when asked for recommendations

Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Friday, December 15, 2006 - 10:00

Terri Saunders

Local News - A witness at the Cornwall Public Inquiry said Thursday being in the middle of a child sexual abuse scandal is akin to being in a pile of manure.

When asked what recommendations he had in regards to how public institutions can better address the problem, John MacDonald didn't mince words.

"Ask a man who's sitting in the middle of a pile of manure - ask him if it stinks," MacDonald said. "Of course it stinks."

MacDonald is one of several area men who claim they were sexually abused as young boys by Rev. Charles MacDonald.

The priest was charged in 1996, but those charges were stayed in 2002 when a judge determined it took too long to bring the matter to trial.

MacDonald said it will likely take more than a public inquiry to heal the wounds suffered by the community due to decades of child sexual abuse.

"What's needed is a cleansing," he said.

"Is that going to come from here (the inquiry)? I don't know."

tried to seek help

MacDonald has said he tried to seek help from members of the clergy within the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese years ago after he first came forward with allegations against Charles MacDonald but he was told by police to refrain from contacting them.

"All I asked for was compassion and help," said MacDonald. "I'm just starting to get there but not through any public institution. I had to find it on my own."

MacDonald said he likely wouldn't have come forward with the allegations in 1995 if he had the benefit of foresight.

"Would I do the same if it was 10 years ago? No," he said. "I wouldn't want anybody to go through what we (victims) went through for 10 years."

MacDonald said the abuse has caused him harm, but he is hopeful he will recover someday.

"Am I damaged? Yes," he said. "Beyond repair? No."

MacDonald will next return to the stand on Jan. 15 following the Christmas break.

Next week, the inquiry will hear more context-setting testimony related to public institutions.

Also on Thursday, Comm. Normand Glaude extended an interim publication ban on the details of allegations made by witnesses against Charles MacDonald while the priest's lawyers attempt to have the publication ban made permanent through hearings at the Ontario Court of Appeal.