SQLFusion - AM 1220 coverage of Leduc and CAS submissions

Client Did Not Cover-Up Child Sex Abuse: Robitaille

AM 1220

February 25, 2009 — The legal team for a city lawyer says their client did not hide child sex abuse in Cornwall. Lawyers for Jacques Leduc told the Public Inquiry, Leduc had "no motive" to cover-up abuse. Leduc acted for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall in a $32,000 settlement in the 1990s between the church and a man who leveled allegations against a city priest. Part of the agreement meant the complainant could not continue with a criminal case. Leduc's lawyer, Danielle Robitaille says the Commissioner must dismiss the idea that her client was part of a conspiracy. (Hear audio clip below) Leduc faced sex related charges years later but they were stayed due to delay.

[Transcript of audio clip: “The invitation to find a criminal conspiracy involving Mr. Leduc must be rejected.”]

CAS Failed To Respond Properly To Abuse Allegations: Allinotte

AM 1220

February 25, 2009 — The local Children's Aid Society admits it failed to respond properly to some allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Lawyers for the institution say the CAS "deeply regrets" any harm that may have been caused. Michele Allinotte told the Cornwall Public Inquiry today how the CAS responded to child sex abuse allegations may seem deeply flawed. But Allinotte says the CAS acted reasonably at the time. She says the CAS of the past can not be judged by today's standards because society has evolved. (Hear audio clip below) Final submissions continue today.

[Transcript of audio clip: “we thought it was reasonable and acceptable to punish children in schools by hitting them on the hand, but as we all know there were many things done or not done in the past that when you look at them today seem illogical and primitive. It’s seems hard to believe that people do not recognize that certain things were so wrong could be so easily prevented.”]

Lawyers Speed Through Final Submissions At Inquiry

AM 1220

February 25, 2009 — If you're watching the Cornwall Public Inquiry, you may be shocked at the pace. Lawyers are speeding through their final submissions and some have even finished ahead of schedule. The laptops were closed and the doors were locked by mid-afternoon yesterday. Before hearings wrapped up, lawyers for the Ministry of the Attorney General said they will not offer theories about what happened in Cornwall, why and what should be done in the future. Leslie McIntosh is leaving that job to Commissioner Normand Glaude. She did say mistakes may have been made but they were not intentional. (Hear audio clip below) The Children's Aid Society and OPP will make closing arguments when hearings resume at 9:30 this morning.

[Transcript of audio clip: “there is no way, in my respectful submission, that any finding could be supported that would suggest that the Crowns did not make an honest effort and demonstrate full commitment to the prosecution of these cases, to the best of their ability.”