By Canadian Press

Retraumatized: Inuit leaders say sex charges stay for priest hurts victims

Feb 19, 2019 | 4:09 PM

OTTAWA — Inuit leaders say Canada’s decision not to go ahead with charges against a priest accused of sex abuse is traumatizing victims all over again.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada has confirmed that charges against Oblate priest Johannes Rivoire have been stayed.

Rivoire is thought to be in France at an Oblate-run facility.

Prosecution service spokeswoman Nathalie Houle says the charges were stayed last year.

World Championships

Power, Cozens lead Canada to 5-3 win over Finland at hockey worlds

May 18, 2024

Cross-province tour

NDP Leader Beck hopes for improvements to healthcare, education

May 18, 2024

staff shortage

New incentive offers up to $10K signing bonus for northern teachers

May 14, 2024

Nathalie Houle says France’s policy of not extraditing citizens played a role in the decision.

As late as 2016, RCMP were saying three sex charges were active against Rivoire stemming from his activities in the 1960s in the Arctic communities of Arviat and Naujaat.

Respected Inuit elder Peter Irniq says the move denies justice to at least five people who say Rivoire abused them.

Irniq says staying the charges doesn’t fit well with the Liberal government’s promises of reconciliation with Indigenous people.

The Canadian Press