NDP MPs call for investigation of child abuse at residential schools

WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.

NDP MPs Mumilaaq Qaqqaq and Charlie Angus are calling on Justice Minister David Lametti to launch an investigation into "crimes against humanity" in Canada following preliminary discoveries of unmarked burial sites at former residential school sites.

The MPssaid Lamettimustappoint an independent prosecutor with the power to bring to court those involved in the abuse of children at residential and day schools.

"Enough is enough.Indigenous people need truth and justice," Qaqqaq told a press conference thismorning.

During the press conference,Qaqqaq and Angus displayed photos of twopriestswho have been accused of sexual and physical abuse at residential schools:Father Johannes Rivoire and the lateFather Arthur Lavoie.

Lavoiewas named in more than 300 claims of physical and sexual abuse during anOPP investigation intoSt. Anne's Indian Residential School in northern Ontario. He died in 1991.

Rivoire, originally from France, isaccused of sex-related offences connected to his time in Naujaat and Rankin Inlet in the 1960s.

RCMP issued a warrant for hisarrest in 1998, five years after he returned to France. For nearly two decades, people in Nunavut have been pushing for Rivoire's extradition from that country

"The abuse at his hands has caused generations of trauma," Qaqqaq said.

Two years ago, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) said a 2017 assessment of Rivoire's case found "there was no longer a reasonable prospect of conviction regarding the charges."

"Instead of facing justice for his crimes, Rivoire is living a luxuriousretirement in a home for priests ... and the federal institution is doing nothing about it,"Qaqqaq said.

The MPswant aspecial prosecutor with the authority toseekadvice from the International Criminal Court, tosubpoena documents from the federal government and church institutions and tomake those documents public.

Qaqqaq said the investigation shouldn't stop with residential schools but should extend to other institutions such as federal day schools, which operated separately from residential schools but were run by many of the same groups.

WARNING: Video contains details some viewers may find distressing.

Nunavut MP says her constituents are still struggling with the legacy of residential schools.

3 years ago

Duration 3:06

NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq spoke with reporters on Parliament Hill on Thursday.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission did examine and report on the history and legacy of Canada's residential school system. Angus said that was only a first step.

"(The TRC) did not have a mandate to pursue justiceand to go after the perpetrators. Canadians and Indigenous communities are calling for justice," he said.

Qaqqaq called onLamettidirectly to act.

"Minister Lametti,don't you dare tell me you can't do this. You have the authority. You just refuse to use it and that needs to end today," she said.

Police investigation must come first, expert says

When asked if Lamettiwould appoint a special prosecutor, the minister'soffice said hedoes not have the power to initiate criminal investigations.

"This is an exclusive power of the police," Lametti's press secretary ChantalleAubertin said in an emailed statement."We will consider all options that will allow the survivors, their communities and the country to move forward on the path to healing and reconciliation."

University of Ottawa law professor Errol Mendes echoed Lametti's argument that a police investigationneeds to take place before theattorney general can act.

"Depending on what is the finding of such investigations, it is only then that the discussion takes place with the Crown prosecutors to see what charges etc. are to be laid," Mendes said in an email.

"The sanctity of the criminal justice process requires such a police investigation first."

The federal government has pledged $27 million to helpIndigenous communitiesidentify burial sites.Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller saidrecently that dollar amount will grow.

How to get help

Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, and for those triggered by the latest reports.

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.