Former Catholic priest who abused children in Nunavut sentenced to 6 years in prison

A former Catholic priest, Eric Dejaeger, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually abusing children in Nunavut. Dejaeger, 77, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexually abusing children in Igloolik between 1978 and 1982. The victims, now middle-aged, were between the ages of four and nine at the time of the abuse.
Justice Faiyaz Alibhai described the horrific details of the abuse inflicted by Dejaeger on six girls and one boy. He stated that Dejaeger had destroyed their childhood, damaged their relationships with their families, and ruined their connection with the church. Alibhai referred to Dejaeger as a “calculated predator” who was fully aware of his actions.
Both the Crown and defence lawyers proposed a six-year sentence for Dejaeger, which was accepted by Alibhai. He acknowledged Dejaeger’s guilty plea as a sign of remorse, stating that it saved the victims from further trauma of testifying and being cross-examined.
During the sentencing, victims filled the courtroom to witness justice being served. Dejaeger also addressed the court, asking for forgiveness for his actions and claiming to be a changed person who has not reoffended since his time in Nunavut. However, this is not the first time Dejaeger has been convicted of child sexual abuse. In 2015, he was found guilty of 32 counts of child sexual abuse in Igloolik and sentenced to 19 years in prison. He was also sentenced to five years for similar offenses in Edmonton in the 1970s and was released on parole in 2022.
As part of the conditions of his sentence, Dejaeger must register on the sex offender registry and is prohibited from being in places where children under the age of 16 are present, such as public parks, swimming areas, playgrounds, or community centers.
For individuals who have experienced sexual assault, support is available through crisis lines and local support services. The Ending Violence Association of Canada offers a database of resources for those in need. In Nunavut, there are specific resources available, including the Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Help Line, Healing by Talking counseling program, Government of Nunavut Employee/Family Assistance Program, Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit (Embrace Life Council), Hope for Wellness Help Line, and Victim’s Services. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.