Police Probe Talbot House Complaint

By Aaron Beswick
The Chronicle-Herald
February 18, 2012

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/64283-police-probe-talbot-house-complaint

Rev. Paul Abbass (Antigonish Casket)

Cape Breton Regional Police confirmed Friday they are investigating a complaint against a staff member at the Talbot House rehabilitation centre in Frenchvale.

"Talbot House has raised some concerns with police regarding one of its employees," said spokeswoman Desiree Vassallo.

"We are looking further into that information and will determine whether there’s anything that needs a criminal investigation."

Rev. Paul Abbass took a leave from his post as executive director of Talbot House on Feb. 3 and has been relieved of his duties with the Diocese of Antigonish after at least one complaint was filed with the Community Services Department.

Dave Mantin, Atlantic Canada group leader for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said he had received two complaints regarding Abbass, one of which was sexual in nature, while another was about access to medication and Abbass’s behaviour.

Rev. Donald MacGillivray, who has replaced Abbass as spokesman for the diocese, said Friday that the church is taking the matter seriously.

"We want a fair process and we want the truth," said MacGillivray, who is based in Sydney. "We’ll let the truth lead us to the next place."

The complaint and its aftermath are the latest difficulty for the diocese. A class action by victims of sexual abuse at the hands of priests between 1950 and 2009 was settled by Bishop Raymond Lahey in 2009. Lahey was later stopped at the Ottawa airport and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of having hundreds of images of child pornography on his computer.

Abbass was spokesman for the diocese in relation to both Lahey’s case and ongoing attempts to raise the $15-million settlement for the lawsuit.

"Have some people been re-evaluating their faith as a result of all the stuff we’ve gone through? Yes, I think that’s the case," said MacGillivray.

"Others have said, ‘My faith doesn’t depend on a bishop or priest; mine comes from a deep place within me.’ Many are still faithful and attending church."

MacGillivray said he and other priests discuss recent events with their parishioners. He added that the diocese will co-operate fully with any investigation.