Cloud Lifting?

Cornwall AM 1220

06 July 2007

Commentary by Lorne Wiebe

Not sure if anyone is paying any attention to what is going on at the Cornwall Public Inquiry but the news last week that a witness admitted he falsely connected prominent local men to sex abuse in the region years ago raises a lot of questions. Those allegations in part helped to feed the fears that a "clan" of pedophiles was operating in the area. Can those fears now be put to rest? Well, a couple of things came to mind when I first learned of the witness's about-face. First, does this witness's admission make any less important or serious the abuse that has taken place? No doubt, abuse victims have taken the stand and told the truth and the fact one person has recanted should not lessen the seriousness of other allegations. Secondly, perhaps this inquiry will help lift the so-called cloud off our city if it gets to the heart of what did or did not happen. That is not its mandate but who knows where future testimony will lead? If the facts show there was no "clan", will the Inquiry not have been worth it? My thoughts on the matter - what are yours?