MLA 'surprised' at territories' defence in Horne case

The governments ofNunavut and the Northwest Territories should be helpingcommunities suffering from the legacy of convicted sex offender Edward Horne instead of denying responsibility, Hudson Bay MLA Peter Kattuk says.

On Monday, the governments filedtheir response to a lawsuit laid by agroup of 72 men and one woman, who claim they were abused by the former teacher when he worked in the North during the 1970s and '80s.

Several years ago, the governments paid $21.5 million to a group of 82 men and three estates to compensate for abuse by Horne.

In this case, the governments say they protected the childrenat school, but say they are not responsible for any alleged abuse that may have taken place at Horne's homes, which he rented from them.

Kattuk, wholives in Sanikiluaq where Horne taught for three years, says his impact continues to this day.

"Our community was destroyed by him," said Kattuk.

"When I heard that the government was defending itself, I was surprised.The government should be willing to help the community and the people that were abused by an employee of the government at that time. "

Government lawyers refuse to comment on the case while it isbefore the courts.