SQLFusion - AM 1220 coverage on final submissions 23 Febraury 2009

Priest's Lawyer Says Illegal Settlement Caused "Perfect Storm"

AM 1220

February 24, 2009 — Lawyers for a priest accused of sexual abuse say a "mistake in judgement" created an underserved image of Cornwall. Michael Neville submitted to the Cornwall Public Inquiry that a $32,000 settlement between the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall and an alleged victim "triggered a chain of events" that created a "perfect storm." Part of that agreement meant the alleged victim had to withdraw his criminal complaint against Father Charles MacDonald. Charges against the city priest were stayed in 2002 after a judge ruled the matter had taken too long to get to trial. Neville says Commissioner Normand Glaude has the opportunity to "clear the air and set the record straight" when he writes his final report which is due July 31st. Final submissions continue.

Society's Understanding Of Abuse Has Evolved-MCSCS Lawyers

AM 1220

February 24, 2009 — At least one local public institution says it deals with child sex abuse differently today than it did in the past. Lawyers for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services have made their final submissions at the Cornwall Public Inquiry. Their written submissions say society now understands that abuse can happen anywhere whether it is at home, school or a probation office. They submit that the ministry has acknowledged past mistakes and takes responsibility for them. David Rose says the ministry of today is not the same as yesterday. (Hear audio clip below) Two former probation officers were accused of sexually abusing young people in Cornwall. One was convicted and the other was never charged. Both committed suicide in the 1990s. Final submissions continue.

[Transcript of audio clip: "In my respectful submission this is a different ministry with different clientele that’s operating much more transparently with a higher degree of professionalism" ]

Lawyer Urges Commissioner To Teach Public About Presumption Of Innocence

AM 1220

February 24, 2009 — The confusion surrounding child sex abuse allegations in Cornwall arose out of misperceptions and misunderstandings according to lawyers for an accused probation officer. Giuseppe Cipriano says he hopes his final submissions at the Cornwall Public Inquiry can help the commissioner make recommendations that will explain to the public what the "presumption of innocence" means. Cipriano told the commission today there is no evidence to suggest former probation officer Ken Seguin was a member of a clan of pedophiles or that he took part in some type of cover-up. Cipriano adds that Seguin can only be described as a "professional dedicated" employee whose style provided a good role model for other probation officers. Seguin was never charged and he committed suicide in November 1993.

Victims' Group Cautions Commissioner About Policies And Procedures

AM 1220

February 24, 2009 — The Victims Group is cautioning the Commissioner about focusing on policies and procedures. The Cornwall Public Inquiry is hearing final submissions from each of the parties this week. Lawyer Dallas Lee says if every action within an institution needed a formal written policy, nothing would ever get done. He says sexual abuse was as wrong 40 years ago as it is today and employees have to act with common sense, compassion and decency. Lee was shown support from the gallery when he was finished his submission. (Hear audio clip below) Lee says true healing is not possible until public institutions are held responsible for their actions. He adds Commissioner Normand Glaude should be willing to note whether the institutional response to child sex abuse allegations was the result of ignorance, incompetence or something more sinister. Meanwhile, Coalition For Action lawyer Frank Horn told the Commissioner that Perry Dunlop deserves an apology. Dunlop is the former city police officer who has been criticized for his off-hours investigation into child sex abuse allegations. Glaude's final report is due at the end of July. Hearings begin at 9:30am today.

[Transcript of audio clip: “I want to wish you the best of luck with your task….. I will be back before you briefly on Friday in terms of Phase 2 but otherwise I'll be a passive observer for the rest of this. Thank you, sir.” (applause)]