UCDSB Apologizes to Abuse Victims, by Joel D Herrington, Seaway News, July 15, 2010

Ucdsb Apologizes to Abuse Victims

By Joel D. Herrington
Seaway News
July 15, 2010

http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/News/Local/2010-07-14/article-1430113/UCDSB-Apologizes-to-Abuse-Victims/1

Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) Chair Greg Pietersma and Director David Thomas held a press conference recently to present an official apology in relation to the findings of the Cornwall Public Inquiry. The conference was held in Cornwall, at the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre. Media from as far as Ottawa were in attendance for the apology.

Pietersma issued the apology while Thomas reiterated the severity of the findings from the inquiry and the detailed the actions being taken by the UCDSB. "The Upper Canada District School Board wants to extend our sincere apology, for the wrongs that you have suffered and wishes to offer you our support" said Pietersma at the press conference.

Upon the presentation of his report, the Cornwall Public Inquiry Commissioner Normand Glaude recommended that the catholic diocese, the Ministry of Community Safety, the correctional services and the local school board make a public apology to all the victims of sexual assault or abuse.

"The sexual abuse of students by teachers and other persons in authority in one of our predecessor school boards cannot be and will not be tolerated. The Upper Canada District School Board will continue to do all that it can to prevent instances of sexual abuse" stated Pietersma. "For many of our students, school is the safest place for them. That is something we are quite proud of and we recognize our role in continuing that."

Pictured in UCDSB Director David Thomas at a recent press conference. He discussed the changes and improvements the school board is implementing.
Photo by Joel D. Herrington

The Roman Catholic Church apologized shortly after Glaude delivered his report last December. On behalf of the diocese of Alexandria and Cornwall, Bishop Paul André Durocher apologized to all of the victims of sexual abuse committed by priests.

Thomas said the UCDSB has spent plenty of time reviewing Commissioner Glaude's recommendations. "The commissioner encouraged us to continue to update all our procedures and policies, to recognize that safety and security of children - you can't check it off as being done. It's something you continually have to review."

The UCDSB is offering assistance to help the victims of sexual abuse who, due to traumatic personal experiences, may have failed to graduate from high school. This will be done through the UCDSB's adult education programs, providing free entry into any course offered by the T.R. Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education.