CP NewsAlert: Ex-priest sentenced to six years for sex abuse of Nunavut children

By Canadian Press on January 30, 2025.

IQALUIT — Former Catholic priest Eric Dejaeger, who pleaded guilty to indecent assault against seven Inuit children more than four decades ago, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

An Iqaluit court heard the assaults on six girls and one boy took place between 1978 and 1982 in the hamlet of Igloolik, Nvt.

Dejaeger, 77, stood in court and asked for forgiveness before he was sentenced.

He says he’s sorry for the cruel things he has done and that he hasn’t reoffended for 40 years.

He says he’s a changed person and he’s had a lot of time to think during his years in prison for other sexual offences against children in Nunavut and Alberta.

Crown and defence lawyers jointly recommended the six years.

More coming.

The Canadian Press