Priest 'Relieved' Allegations Resolved
By Michael Gorman
The former executive director of Talbot House says that while he is "pleased and relieved" that allegations against him have been resolved, he is taking personal time for recovery. In a statement released Tuesday, Father Paul Abbass said he is thankful for the support he received during what he called "an intensely difficult and challenging period." Allegations of inappropriate behaviour with residents of Talbot House surfaced several months ago. A police investigation concluded there was no basis to pursue the matter. Talbot House was later the subject of an organizational review by the province, and since then, the facility has closed. Abbass expressed disappointment with the way the review was conducted and sadness about the closure. "I believe in the work and community of Talbot House and know it had a profound impact on those who lived, worked and visited our community," he said in his statement. "I appreciate the efforts of the board and the public and all who are concerned about the future of Talbot House and hope that, in a spirit of fairness and goodness, we may see this important facility reopened to serve the needs of those who struggle with their addictions." Abbass's statement comes on the heels of a nine-page response from the board of the addictions recovery centre in Frenchvale. The board was reacting to a Community Services Department review that was critical of the site's operation and highlighted a lack of compliance with department standards. The board's response said the provincial report "often offers opinion as fact, without apparent effort to seek independent verification" and that while the board acknowledges not being in full compliance with department standards, "there is ample evidence that the board was addressing these policy issues in a systematic fashion." The organizational review was triggered by a complaint the province received from a former resident. That was soon followed by allegations about Abbass's conduct. The board's response said that members "never received a formal complaint" against Abbass and suggested the department basically forced them to go to the police. Board members claim that the department "would not provide the board with requested information regarding the specific complaints or allegations." On Tuesday, Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse disputed that point. "What we did offer up was the fact that the gentleman making statements in the letter was agreeable to meet with the board of directors so they could sit and question him and hear first-hand the information he was providing us," said Peterson-Rafuse. "The board declined to meet with him." The minister said the department acted based on its authority and said the former residents of Talbot House are receiving proper care. The province will soon offer a request for proposals for a new round-the-clock addictions recovery centre, and Talbot House is welcome to apply, assuming the board can show that organizational issues have been addressed, said Peterson-Rafuse John Gainer, chairman of Talbot House's board, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Contact: mgorman@herald.ca
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