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	Brownell 'Proud' of Inquiry By Kevin Lajoie Standard-Freeholder January 14, 2010 http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2260178 CANADA -- Several years ago, MPP Jim Brownell supported the call for a public inquiry into allegations of historical sexual abuse in the Cornwall area because he believed the "air needed to be cleared." With the final report of the Cornwall Inquiry now released, Brownell believes that has happened. "I think so. . . I'm satisfied, and I think the people who wanted the inquiry got their chance," said the MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. Brownell acknowledged the inquiry ended up costing more than "anyone imagined" at $50 million, but he said he hopes people don't lose sight of the good work that was done. "As many have pointed out, sexual abuse of children and youth exists in every corner of the world," wrote Brownell in a statement released Wednesday regarding the inquiry's final report. "I am very proud of the fact that our community has taken a stand against it and that we are working together to prevent future occurrences." In his massive final report, Commissioner Normand Glaude concludes there were "systemic failures" on the part of police, the church, lawyers, the local probation office and others in their handling of historical sex abuse allegations. The report -- released last month -- contains more than 150 recommendations ranging from more stringent report requirements for sex abuse allegations to better support systems for complainants. Glaude stopped short of quashing the long-rumoured claims of a pedophile ring in his final report, saying the matter wasn't fully investigated and it was not within his mandate to make such a finding. Brownell said he's pleased that many of the institutions have already acted on some of the recommendations that have come out of the process. The MPP also credited Glaude for his thorough review of the matter. "All things considered, I think the commissioner has done a good job," Brownell stated. Brownell-who was sidelined with heart issues at the time of the report's release -said he's looking forward to moving ahead with as many of the recommendations as possible and to continue working with groups such as PrevAction and Citizens for Community Renewal. Like Glaude, Brownell has also advocated for the continuation of inquiry-funded counselling services for victims, at least for the time being. The funding is set to expire tomorrow, although it's believed some type of interim arrangement may be established through the Family Counselling Centre of Cornwall and United Counties. Contact: KLAJOIE@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
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