WARNING: This article contains details of sexual abuse of children, and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
A former Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children in Nunavut has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Eric Dejaeger, 77, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexually abusing children in Igloolik between 1978 and 1982.
The children Dejaeger abused, who are now middle-aged, were between the ages of four and nine.
Justice Faiyaz Alibhai read the details of each count to the court on Thursday morning, describing the abuse Dejaeger inflicted on six girls and one boy.
“He destroyed their childhood, hurt their relations with their families and ruined their relationship with their church,” Alibhai said.
Crown and defence lawyers had jointly proposed a six-year sentence for Dejaeger, which Alibhai accepted.
He also noted Dejaeger was between 31 and 35 years old at the time and “was fully aware” of his actions.
Alibhai described him as “a calculated predator.”
He also said Dejaeger’s guilty plea was a sign of remorse.
“He has saved the victims from testifying and being cross-examined, which would have added to their trauma.”
Victims packed the courtroom as the judge read out his decision.
Dejaeger also spoke before he was sentenced.
“First of all, I would like to ask for forgiveness for the wrong things I’ve done,” he said.
He also said he is a “changed person” and he has not reoffended since his time in Nunavut.
It’s the fifth time Dejaeger has been sentenced for sexually abusing children, Alibhai said.
In 2015, a court found Dejaeger guilty of 32 counts of child sexual abuse during his time as a priest in Igloolik and sentenced him to 19 years in prison. Later that year, he was also sentenced to five years for sexually abusing children in Edmonton in the 1970s. He was released on parole in 2022.
Alibhai imposed several conditions, including that Dejaeger must register on the sex offender registry and cannot attend a public park, swimming area, playground or community centre where people under the age of 16 are present.
For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
If you or someone you know in Nunavut is struggling, the following resources may help:
- Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Help Line (available 24 hours a day): 979-3333 in Iqaluit, or 1-800-265-3333
- Healing by Talking counselling program: 1-888-648-0070
- Government of Nunavut Employee/Family Assistance Program: 1-800-663-1142
- Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit (Embrace Life Council): 1-866-804-2782
- Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Victim’s Services: 1-866-456-5216
