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Cornwall Public Inquiry

17 May 2006: A prayerful-looking Bishop Paul Andre Durocher sits in the bleachers at the Weave Shed as David Sheriff-Scott, lawyer for the Alexandria-Cornwall diocese, tersely informs the commission that the diocese will not appeal Glaude's ruling that the diocese is a public insititution

(picture posted on Corwall News AM 1220)

05 May 2006 Cartoon in Seaway News (word document)

Church accepts ruling

By Terri Saunders

Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:00

Front Page - The Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese will not appeal a ruling by Comm. Normand Glaude identifying it as a public institution at the Cornwall Public Inquiry.

David Sherriff-Scott, attorney for the diocese, made the announcement in front of the commission Wednesday morning. He said after weighing all the issues surrounding a possible judicial review of the May 1 decision, the determination was made to not delay the inquiry any further.

“Delays . . . would be contrary to the public interest,” said Sherriff-Scott. “The public interest outweighs our concerns.”

Sherriff-Scott said the diocese also wanted to avoid any public perception it was trying to protect itself under the law.

“There is a double standard about the diocese relying on our legal rights,” he said. “But I continue to be of the opposite view (of the commissioner) and I believe this ruling blurs the distinction between church and state.”

On May 1, Glaude ruled the diocese is a public institution under the terms of reference of the inquiry, despite the church’s belief it is a community-sector organization.

This designation will allow the commission to conduct a more thorough investigation of the church, its policies and history related to allegations of historical child sexual abuse made against priests and employees.

Following Sherriff-Scott’s announcement, members of The Victims Group and the Citizens for Community Renewal expressed satisfaction with the turn of events.

“In my opinion, this is monumental,” said Paul Scott, spokesperson for CCR. “Based on past perceptions of the way the church, in general, has conducted itself, I thought they would certainly launch an appeal. But they haven’t, and I think that’s the right decision.”

Steve Parisien is a child sexual abuse survivor who plans to take part in the inquiry as a member of The Victims Group. He said it should have been obvious from the outset the diocese could make no other decision.

“If they had gone through with an appeal, it would have been like shooting themselves in the foot,” he said. “Otherwise, an appeal had the potential to cause delays and block portions of the inquiry from proceeding as they should. I am optimistic things can go forward now.”

Scott said the diocese deserves some recognition for opting out of a judicial review.

“You give credit where credit is due,” he said. “There would have been creative ways under the terms of reference, even if they were a community-sector organization, to scrutinize the church. Every avenue would have been found (to investigate the diocese.)”

Sherriff-Scott said he hoped the commission and the parties which have standing will understand the need on the part of the church to protect their legal rights.

“We must be mindful of the rights of our members,” he said.

Parisien said any concerns about personal reputations must take a back seat to getting to the truth.

“If there is a perception within the church that they must be concerned about people’s reputations, they’ve got to lose that,” he said. “This is not about people’s reputations. This is about decades of child sexual abuse and how things were handled by agencies such as the church.”

Cornwall News

Inquiry Hears About Probation Officer Training

May 3, 2006 - Context setting testimony continues with evidence from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services at the Project Truth Inquiry. Jim Bunton has been a manager with the ministry for 15 years. Lawyers heard about the training and recruitment of probation officers. D.F Coughlan was appointed director of probation services in 1952. Coughlan has been called the father of probation. He developed promotional exams which are also known as barrier exams. Officers were tested on their knowledge of the law and administration practices. One of the reasons for the exams was to justify an increase in pay for officers.

Cornwall News: AM 1220

Victim Testimony Appeal Coming Monday

May 25, 2006 - The Diocese decided not to file an appeal, but it will likely be a different story when another lawyer takes the stand on Monday. Earlier this month, Justice Normand Glaude ruled alleged victims will be allowed to publicly testify. A lawyer for a city priest who at one time was accused of abuse does not believe they should. Guiseppe Cipriano told the Commission yesterday, an appeal of Justice Glaude's ruling is coming on Monday.

City may foot inquiry bill

By Terri Saunders
Front Page - Saturday, May 06, 2006 @ 10:00

Taxpayers will be on the hook for more than $1 million this year if the province doesn’t pony up the cash to cover the city’s costs related to the Cornwall Public Inquiry.

The cost has risen to a staggering $500,000 since November of last year and it’s anticipated that amount will more than double by the end of this year.

“I don’t think we, as a municipality, should have to pay all those costs,” said Mayor Phil Poirier Friday. “The province has to do something.”

But on Friday, ministry staff said it’s not as simple as sending off invoices in the hopes of receiving a cheque in the mail.

Brendan Crawley, a communication spokesperson in the attorney general’s office, said any party who wishes to receive funding in order to cover the costs of taking part in the inquiry must go before the commission and make an application.

“The city would be subject to the (commission) guidelines,” said Crawley.

Those guidelines state any group with standing can ask for funding, something which Poirier said he didn’t think was necessary on the part of the municipality.

“I spoke to (Attorney General Michael Bryant) when he was here (April 27) and we talked about it,” said Poirier. “He said, Submit the bills and we’ll pay for it.’”

Inquiry Facing Appeals?

(Cornwall News - AM 1220)

May 9, 2006 - Will the local diocese appeal the Project Truth ruling? An insider believes he knows the answer. The diocese is sitting down with their lawyers this week as they decide whether or not to fight the judge's ruling. Last week, justice Normand Glaude proclaimed that the diocese is a public institution, meaning they fall under the full scrutiny of the inquiry. Lead commission counsel Peter Engelmann spoke with the AM 1220 News Centre this morning. He has a feeling the diocese will file an appeal. However, diocese lawyer David Sheriff-Scott is playing his cards close to his chest. He will only tell us that they will have a decision by the end of the week.

****

Appeals Appear Likely at Inquiry

May 10, 2006 - Another sign that the appeal process may slow down the Project Truth Inquiry. Yesterday, we told you lead commission council for the inquiry, Peter Engelmann, has a gut feeling that the diocese will file an appeal on the ruling that forces them to fully testify at the inquiry. Now, the lawyer who brought forward a motion to prevent victim testimony also suggests they might ask for a review of Justice Normand Glaude's ruling against them. Giuseppe Cipriano tells AM 1220 News their decision could come within days.

The Ottawa Sun

15 May 2006

Probe hears of 'the only honest cop'

Former Cornwall officer fed Project Truth documents to Fantino

By Canadian Press

CORNWALL — Toronto’s former top cop says he has “some knowledge” of events surrounding a sweeping investigation in the 1990s of allegations of systemic sexual abuse by community leaders here.

But Julian Fantino says he isn’t sure how valuable his information is to the Cornwall public inquiry examining how the allegations were handled.

“The relevance of what I might have to offer is beyond my determination,” Fantino said Saturday.

“I have knowledge, some knowledge, of course, of some of these events. I will be at the disposal of due process.”

Now Ontario’s commissioner of emergency management, Fantino would not specify what information he has on the four-year investigation known as Project Truth.

Police laid 114 charges against 15 men after the investigation, but few of the cases ever made it to court and police said they never found any evidence of a pedophile ring.

The probe was launched after former Cornwall police officer Perry Dunlop began a crusade to uncover what he believed to be widespread sexual abuse of children by prominent members of the community.

Over the course of several years in the 1990s, Dunlop collected thousands of documents related to the alleged abuse of dozens of victims and alleged perpetrators.

While testifying at a subsequent criminal trial involving a Cornwall priest, Dunlop admitted he was uncertain as to whom he could trust within the justice system, so he delivered some documents to Fantino — then chief of police in London, Ont.

During his testimony, Dunlop called Fantino “the only honest cop” in the province.

AM 1220

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No Win for Alleged Victims

How sadly naive; the motions Judge Glaude ruled on were "NO WIN" motions. "NO WIN" for the alleged victims. Perhaps this is why D. Sherriff-Scott was all smiles. The knockout punch was thrown when the motion was filed. Judge Glaude well knows the potential ramifications and besides the Diocese, many, including The Holy See may have a say. Years of appeals and challenges...no progress.

James P. Bateman
Waterloo

Tuesday » May 2 » 2006

Judge in Cornwall sex abuse inquiry will treat church like a 'public institution'

Ruling challenges traditional definition; diocese lawyer calls decision 'absurd'


Zev Singer
The Ottawa Citizen; with files from the Canadian Press

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

A judge's ruling yesterday that a Catholic diocese will be treated as a "public institution" at an inquiry into sexual abuse cases in Cornwall throws open the debate about the balance between church and state, says a University of Toronto expert on public law.

Justice G. Norman Glaude, the commissioner of the Cornwall public inquiry looking into allegations of sexual abuse in the Cornwall area, ruled yesterday that the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall would be open to the same level of scrutiny as the police and other publicly funded and controlled organizations.

Lorne Sossin of the University of Toronto said the ruling challenges the traditional definition that churches are private organizations.

"If churches are going to be considered public organizations, are they subject to other kinds of public duties and public obligations?" said Mr. Sossin. "Are they subject to the Charter of Rights in some circumstances or the other instruments we have for constraining government actions?"

Mr. Sossin said it would be different if the discussion revolved around Catholic schools, which are publicly funded and function under provincial direction. But this is a case where the diocese is not using government money.

David Sherriff-Scott, the lawyer for the diocese, said yesterday the diocese should not be viewed as part of the public sector, which has a much greater degree of accountability to the public.

"A public inquiry is designed to look into the machinery of government to see if it operates properly," Mr. Sherriff-Scott said. "The idea that (Judge Glaude) would treat any private institution or private organization or private charity like a governmental, public institution under his mandate is just frankly absurd."

A news release from Judge Glaude said the diocese was considered a public institution because of its objectives: "such as providing assistance to the poor, strengthening and promoting education, promoting community values, and the elimination of disease and sickness."

Mr. Sherriff-Scott, who is considering a challenge of the ruling, said that the commissioner is essentially using the diocese's benevolent work against it.

Mr. Sossin said calling an organization a "public institution" because it does benevolent is as "tenuous a connection as you can imagine." Other organizations involved in public service could find themselves in the same boat, he added.

Janet Epp Buckingham, director of law and public policy for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, who follows issues of church and state, said the ruling could have implications down the road. Religious bodies could become reluctant to work with government bodies, she said. "I think it should give them pause."

Judge Glaude did make a point yesterday of saying the Catholic Church itself was not under investigation. "The fact remains that this should not and cannot be looked upon as an investigation of the church, its doctrine or its beliefs," he said.

The commissioner also announced yesterday the the alleged victims of abuse will be allowed to speak at the inquiry. A lawyer for one of the accused clergy members had asked that they not be included.

AM 1220

Cornwall News

No One Unit Assigned To Sex Crimes

May 24, 2006 - You may be surprised to learn that the Eastern Region of the OPP does not have a specific unit dedicated to sexual assault and child abuse. Commission counsel at the Project Truth Inquiry heard that testimony from the OPP yesterday. Detective Staff Sergeant Paul Yelle told the commission "The approach that we have taken is that all of our officers in crime units have been trained in sexual assault investigations. If an officer that's in a crime unit now hasn't been trained, it's simply because that officer hasn't had the chance to attend a training." The inquiry resumes this morning at 10.

Sergeant who oversaw abuse cases knew nothing of Project Truth

By Terri Saunders
Cornwall Standard Freeholder Local News - Thursday, May 25, 2006 @ 10:00

The person who oversaw sexual abuse investigations for the eastern region of the OPP admitted at the Cornwall Public Inquiry Thursday she knew nothing about Project Truth.

Det. Staff Sgt. Heather Kewley was the regional abuse issues co-ordinator for this part of the province when the force formed Project Truth in 1997 to look into allegations several prominent members of the community had sexually assaulted children.

During a break in questioning, Comm. Normand Glaude seemed to mention the investigation a four-year probe during which investigators interviewed hundreds of people before laying 114 charges against 15 men in an almost casual, conversational way.

“So, you were here at the time of Project Truth,” Glaude said.

“Yes,” said Kewley, “but I have no knowledge of Project Truth.”

Glaude seemed surprised by Kewley’s quick response.

“You weren’t consulted by them?” asked Glaude.

“No,” said Kewley.

The officer explained that the Project Truth team’s detective sergeant would have taken command of the investigation and she would only have been brought in if asked.

“And you were available to them?” Glaude asked.

“Yes,” said Kewley.

Glaude’s surprise might have resulted from testimony by one of Kewley’s colleagues Wednesday at the inquiry.

Det. Staff Sgt. Paul Yelle indicated Kewley, who became regional abuse issues co-ordinator for the area in 1996, a year before the formation of Project Truth, might have been required to at least be aware of the type of investigations being carried out by the team.

“We also have . . . officers assigned to the abuse co-ordination for the region,” said Yelle. “(They) are responsible to review all domestic violence incidents, sexual assaults (and) child abuse cases.”

“So, for example, Staff Sgt. Heather Kewley would be the regional abuse issues co-ordinator,” said Peter Engelmann, lead counsel for the commission.

“Correct,” said Yelle.

Kewley is the fifth in a line of OPP senior officers who have taken the stand this week to provide the commission with background on the organization of the force.

For many years, the inquiry has heard, police forces around the province followed government regulations as to how to conduct investigations into all sorts of crimes, including sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and historical child abuse.

Kewley has co-ordinated training seminars and workshops for officers around the region on everything from investigating sexual crimes against children to elder abuse.

Over the course of the past nine years a number of courses have been offered in the region on a variety of topics including sexual assault, criminal investigation, victim issues and domestic assault.

OPP officials have said there is a demand for training, but there are limited resources available to provide it.

“There is a constant need, within the OPP, to meet the demands of training and continuous learning,” materials filed with the commission read. “Seat allocations within courses are quickly filled, with waiting lists in almost every case. Virtually all last-minute attendance cancellations are filled.”

Engelmann asked Kewley if there was any record maintained of which officers had attended which training seminars.

“I don’t know if anyone has been tracking that,” said Kewley. “It’s always been in an individual’s best interest to keep track of his or her own training.”

The inquiry continues today at 10 a.m.

Cornwall News AM 1220

OPP Policy Talk at Inquiry

May 18, 2006 - The Project Truth Inquiry has heard about OPP policies as they relate to investigations. Manager of Research and Policy, Staff Sergeant Roger Kelly was on the stand this morning. He assured counsel the policies in place when the Project Truth investigations were done in the 90's are the ones the inquiry will use to see if they were followed, not the current guidelines. Kelly says new OPP policies coming out soon will include guidelines dealing with historical sex abuse. The inquiry proceedings started on a light note today. A technical glitch prevented them from using their computer system forcing them to go back to the old paper method causing a roughly 10 minute delay. Justice Normand Glaude tried to fill the silence with some unrelated small talk which lead to a sarcastic remark from one of the lawyers that got everyone laughing.

Inquiry Atmosphere Quiets Down

(Today's news: Cornwall AM 1220)

May 2, 2006 - The excitement in the gallery has died down at the Project Truth Inquiry. Today, the mood is very calm and quiet compared to yesterday, when alleged victims, lawyers and a swarm of media awaited the judge's decision on two significant issues. Justice Normand Glaude ruled that the diocese is a public institution and dismissed a motion preventing alleged victims from testifying. Yesterday, the media room was crammed but things are back to normal with one other reporter joining the AM 1220 News Centre. In fact, some of the prominent lawyers are not present today. Commission counsel is hearing from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Senior Policy Analyst Glenn Semple has been with the ministry for 30 years. He says the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act has decreased the number of youths in custody.

Canadian Catholic diocese judged public body in sex abuse inquiry

By Deborah Gyapong
5/3/2006

Catholic News Service

OTTAWA, Canada – The judge presiding over an inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse has ruled that a local Catholic diocese is a public institution – a decision that delights alleged victims but concerns others.

In a ruling handed down May 1, Justice G. Normand Glaude said that in response to abuse allegations in Cornwall, Ontario, the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall "is allegedly one of the most significant players in this matter."

In a May 1 statement, Glaude said the diocese is a public institution because of its objectives "such as providing assistance to the poor, strengthening and promoting education, promoting community values, and the elimination of disease and sickness."

Glaude is responsible for presiding over the Cornwall Public Inquiry, which is investigating the response of public institutions and the events surrounding decades of child sex abuse allegations in Cornwall. The Ontario government set up the inquiry in April 2005.

Dallas Lee, who represents the abuse victims, said his clients were ecstatic that the diocese was declared a public institution and that alleged victims would be allowed to testify.

"Both of these rulings will go a long way in making my clients feel like the inquiry has something to offer them and that victims are going to be recognized as vital to its success," said Lee. "They will now be able to tell their stories, and all of those institutions involved will be subject to the full scrutiny of a public inquiry."

David Sherriff-Scott, the diocese's lawyer, said he was disappointed by the decision.

"The commissioner (judge) has concluded that any organization that provides any services to the public is basically a public institution," Sherriff-Scott said. "So, for example, any private charity he (the judge) would consider a public institution, even if they received no government funding and were not controlled in any way by the government.

"This is a startling proposition and a departure from established law," he said. "I'm troubled by the message this sends about how the diocese will be treated in this inquiry."

Sherriff-Scott, who said he is seeking a review of the ruling, said the church is not equipped to investigate allegations of sexual abuse in the same way the criminal justice system is and should not be held to the same standards.

Peter Lauwers, a Toronto constitutional lawyer, said there is "no way one would naturally consider the Catholic Church" or any other denomination a "public institution," and "the decision just simply tortures the expression beyond its natural and normal meaning."

Lauwers said he is concerned about the intrusion this decision represents into the institutional structure of the church.

Lauwers acknowledged legitimate public questions have been raised about what position the diocese might have been in to either stop or prevent alleged criminal activity, but he said those questions could have been addressed by the diocese as a private-sector organization.

Fantino may testify at abuse inquiry

By Terri Saunders

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Monday, May 15, 2006 - 10:00

Local News - Toronto’s former top cop says he has “some knowledge” of events surrounding Project Truth which might be useful to the Cornwall Public Inquiry.

Julian Fantino wouldn’t get into specifics when questioned Saturday about the possibility he will be called as a witness for the commission.

“I am very familiar with it (Project Truth),” he said, “but I have to wait and see if and when I might be called.”

Fantino’s name first came up during the OPP’s four-year investigation into historical sexual abuse of children in the Cornwall area. Dubbed Project Truth, the probe was launched after former city cop Perry Dunlop began a crusade to uncover what he believed to be widespread sexual abuse of children by prominent members of the community.

Over the course of several years in the 1990s, Dunlop amassed thousands of documents related to the abuse of dozens of victims and alleged perpetrators. While testifying at a subsequent criminal trial involving a city priest, Dunlop admitted he became uncertain as to who he could trust within the justice system.

“I had papers everywhere,” he said. “I was afraid someone was going to boot my door.”

At one point, Dunlop said he delivered some documents to Fantino, who was then chief of police in London, saying Fantino was “the only honest cop” in the province.

Fantino said Saturday he’s not sure how valuable his information is to the inquiry, and he would not speak specifically to what that information consists of. During an interview with a Toronto Sun reporter in the spring of 1999, an investigator said police were aware of the fact Dunlop had handed evidence over to Fantino.

“The fact is, the person who gave that original information to Chief Fantino was Perry Dunlop,” said retired Det. Insp. Tim Smith. “He did that in December of 1996.”

Dunlop’s actions at the time puzzled police.

“To tell you the truth,” Det. Supt. Larry Edgar told the Sun, “we have wondered why Dunlop didn’t give those complaints to us rather than Chief Fantino.”

Fantino himself still has some uncertainty as to whether or not his involvement has any value to any inquiry or investigation.

“The relevance of what I might have to offer is beyond my determination,” he said. “I have knowledge, some knowledge, of course, of some of these events. I will be at the disposal of due process.”

Peter Engelmann, lead counsel for the inquiry, said determinations are still being made about what Fantino may have to offer the commission.

“His name is on our list, and some parties have suggested we speak with him,” said Engelmann. “We’ve yet to make a decision on that.”

The lawyer said the same goes for calling Dunlop to the stand.

“He is another person we are looking at,” said Engelmann. “We are not sure at this point whether or not he will be called.”

Dunlop left the Cornwall area in 2000 and currently lives in B.C.

Cornwall News AM 1220

No Appeal From Diocese on Inquiry Ruling

May 17, 2006 - In a move many did not expect, the local diocese is not appealing the Project Truth Inquiry Commissioner's ruling deeming them a public institution. Diocese lawyer David Sheriff Scott says while they did not appeal the decision they still believe they are a community sector organization and had plenty to launch a review. He says the decision blurs the distinction between church and state and the religious freedoms guaranteed by the diocese may be imperiled. Remaining a public institution puts the diocese under the full scrutiny of the inquiry. Bishop Paul-Andre Durocher tells AM 1220 News they listen to their lawyer's advice but it was his decision to make. Durocher says he spoke to area priests and diocese lay leaders before making the decision. Meanwhile, alleged victim Steve Parisien says, he's pleased with their choice. Victim's group lawyer Dallas Lee tells AM 1220 News, he didn't expect this decision, but his clients will be very content. Lead commission counsel Peter Engelmann say, they are happy to have answers and now know they can proceed as planned. Citizens for Community Renewal spokesperson Paul Scott says, he was surprised by the decision.

Cornwall News AM 1220

Quiet Day at the Inquiry

May 16, 2006 - Is it the calm before the storm at the Project Truth Inquiry? We are expecting word tomorrow from the diocese lawyers on whether or not they will file an appeal on justice Normand Glaude's ruling forcing them to fully participate at the inquiry. Yesterday, however, was uneventful as the Ontario Provincial Police took the stand. Detective Chief Superintendent Frank Ryder told the inquiry they cover a large area. Police testimony continues this morning at 10am.

Cornwall Public Inquiry Media Coverage

02 May to 25 May 2006

Cornwall News: AM 1220

OPP Abuse Expert Did Not Know About Project Truth

May 25, 2006 - A very surprising revelation at the Project Truth Inquiry yesterday when it was learned that the OPP's sexual assault and abuse expert for this area was not aware of the Project Truth investigation. Detective Staff Sergeant Heather Kewley was asked about her involvement with Project Truth but admitted she had no knowledge of it; "Once a Detective Inspector becomes involved in an investigation, they take command and control of it and if they require resources like myself, I would be consulted but I was never consulted in that case." Kewley was the Regional Abuse Issues Coordinator at the time.

Cornwall, AM 1220

Cornwall News

Lawyers Chastised At Inquiry

May 4, 2006 - The Commissioner at the Project Truth Inquiry had set May 1st as a deadline for disclosure of documents; a deadline that was not meet by everyone involved. Justice Normand Glaude asked all parties who have been granted standing at the inquiry to provide a full accounting of documents that have been provided and not yet provided. All parties met with commission counsel today to discuss whether or not their disclosure was complete. Lawyers who were not prepared for the meeting had some explaining to do. Justice Glaude told one attorney that he expects some answers in the near future. There will be a hearing on May 23rd to argue some issues about the disclosure of documents.

Cornwall AM 1220 - Letters to the Editor (undated)

No Appeal in Project Truth Inquiry? Just wait

Public Opinion and the Diocese? A huge precedent setting ruling with potential global ramifications where in the Diocese is ruled a Public Institution, not a Community Sector Organization and no appeal! The Diocese disagrees with the ruling, had plenty to launch a review and forms alleged misinterpretations of the Terms of Reference. As a result of their interactions with commission staff and no appeal/review! Very strange. Mark my words; this ruling will be challenged from some entity at some time.

James P. Bateman
Waterloo

Ottawa Sun

02 May 2006

Victims get say at sex-abuse inquiry
By TERRI SAUNDERS, CP

CORNWALL -- Men claiming they were abused decades ago by community leaders here will be allowed to speak freely at an inquiry examining how their allegations were handled.

Commissioner Normand Glaude ruled yesterday that he will allow their testimony, noting it is critical to the fulfilment of the inquiry's mandate that their voices be heard.

"Calling of alleged victims is essential in order for the commission to investigate the institutional response of the justice system and other public institutions in relation to allegations of historical abuse of young people," Glaude said.

A motion to exclude their testimony had been sought by a lawyer representing Rev. Charles MacDonald, a retired priest accused of being part of a group of pedophiles that allegedly victimized children for decades.

Charges against MacDonald were stayed in May 2002 after a judge ruled his right to a speedy trial had been violated.

MacDonald's lawyer, Giuseppe Cipriano, had argued that allowing victims to testify about unproven claims would hurt his client's reputation. Cipriano said an appeal is being considered.

'OVERWHELMED'

Glaude's ruling elicited strong reactions from a number of alleged victims.

"I'm overwhelmed," said Adrien St. Louis, who says he was sexually abused by Rev. Don Scott and Bishop Eugene LaRocque in the

1970s. "Now we know we're going to able to speak about this and there will be no more hiding."

Another motion by the Catholic Church to exclude it from scrutiny at the inquiry was also quashed.

The church's lawyer had argued that the Alexandria-Cornwall Roman Catholic Diocese was a community organization rather than a public institution, and therefore should not be covered by the inquiry's mandate. But Glaude disagreed after considering the objectives of the diocese, such as helping the poor.