The Archdiocese of Edmonton Alberta website
17 May 2014
Posted in [Archdiocesan News] By Lorraine
The following was issued today by Archbishop Smith:
Statement by Archbishop Richard Smith pertaining to charges against Father Albert Laisnez
Today, May 17th, local media reported that charges of sexual assault were laid earlier this year against Father Albert Laisnez, a priest of the Archdiocese of Edmonton. These alleged offenses date back to the 1980s. Father Laisnez has not been involved in public ministry here since 1996.
The Archdiocese of Edmonton takes all allegations of abuse seriously and stands ready to cooperate fully with the RCMP investigation into these complaints.
We are all saddened and disturbed by allegations of sexual abuse, wherever it occurs. I cannot comment any further on this particular case while it is before the court. But I can tell you in general terms that the Church, like many other organizations, has come a long way in understanding how abuse can occur and the great harm it can cause.
I have made it clear that the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton will not tolerate any form of abuse by our clergy, employees, or volunteers. Today the Archdiocese is committed to ensuring that all of our parishes and institutions offer safe environments for the people we serve. All clergy, employees and volunteers are now subject to formal screening procedures, including police information checks, and required to take formal training in abuse awareness and prevention.
We await the outcome of this investigation. In the meantime let us keep everyone affected by this in our prayers.
Most Reverend Richard W. Smith
Archbishop of Edmonton
I am saddened and bewildered every time I hear about this. I remember his kind service as priest to me on one occasion -with a thankful heart. My prayers go out to all who are affected by the allegations.
I can’t believe what I found when I punched into google father Laisnez to see how he’s doing and if he were still around , I found out this it’s sad and if it’s true sickening which shakes ones faith in the Catholic Church . Kind of disturbing! He was our priest at St. Plus in the 1970s seemed genuinely very nice.