Priest back in schools after sex-related charges withdrawn; parents unhappy

Barrie Today - November 6, 2024


Barrie, ON - Parents of students enrolled with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) voiced their concerns Tuesday night about a priest working in local schools after sex-related charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2023 were withdrawn earlier this year. The meeting, held Nov. 5 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Amelia Street in Barrie, was at times tense as parents pressed the school board’s director of education, Frances Bagley, and Father Larry Leger, a priest with the Archdiocese of Toronto, for answers to their questions. About 50 people were in attendance, including parents and other school officials. 


Father Neil Pereira, 34, was arrested by Peterborough police on July 26, 2023, and charged with sexual assault and two counts of sexual interference involving a minor. The charges were later withdrawn.

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Press Release: the Canadian Federal Election and the issues of importance to Outrage Canada and its mandate

By Outrage Canada • April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025 With respect to the Canadian Federal Election, the following issues are important to Outrage Canada and its mandate. We encourage public awareness and discussion of the following issues: 1. CRIME - Reform of criminal laws to more effectively deal with the perpetrators of sexual crimes, including institutional accomplices and enablers. 2. TAXATION POLICY - Review of taxation advantages and exceptions for charitable entities which enable or ignore criminal acts within their ranks. 3. INDIGENOUS EDUCATION - Ensuring that educational services for Indigenous are never again affiliated with religion, directly or indirectly. 4. SAFETY OF CHILDREN - That any federal activities which impact our young, prioritize the safety of our children and protection against sexual violence. For further comment on Outrage's position on these federal issues, you may email us at info@outragecanada.ca

Abuse claims against N.L. archdiocese swells to $121M following successful appeal by victims

By Outrage Canada • April 2, 2025
CBC Lite - April 1, 2025 St. John's, NL - A Newfoundland court has increased the total liability of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s to $121 million after a successful appeal by 59 victims of sexual abuse. These victims, previously excluded from compensation, were awarded $15.3 million in addition to the $104-million settlement approved in 2024 for nearly 300 victims. The case involves abuse by the Christian Brothers at Mount Cashel orphanage and other Catholic institutions in Newfoundland and British Columbia. Despite selling over 100 properties, the corporation has only raised $40 million—far short of the required funds. A previous $22 million was distributed to victims, but insurance coverage was denied. The provincial government may also face legal pressure to contribute to compensation. Justice Garrett Handrigan ruled that the corporation remains liable, reversing decisions that denied compensation to some victims. This includes 12 claimants in British Columbia, where church officials knowingly transferred abusive clergy from Newfoundland. However, past settlements will be deducted from new awards. The court will finalize this latest settlement after May 1.
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