Press Releases

Press Conference: SCC Decision, Feb. 11, 2021

2021.02.11 Press Conference Agenda (list of Speakers)Download

Full Conference Video:

Statement of Irene Deschenes:

Irene Deschenes’ Written Statement Download

Statement of Nancy Mayer on behalf of Advocates for Trauma Survivors in Canada (ACTS – Canada):

Nancy Mayer’s Written Statement Download

Comments of Leona Huggins, SNAP Western Canada, End Clergy Abuse Global (ECA):

Comments of Michelle Schryer, Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, Chatham, Ontario

Michelle Schryer’s Written Statement Download

Comments of Marie Bouclin, Roman Catholic Women Priests, Sudbury, Ontario

Marie Bouclin’s Written Statement Download

Comments of Loretta Merritt, Legal Counsel & Questions from the Media:

Press Release: Feb. 10, 2021

Irene learned in August 2020 that the Diocese of London had decided to appeal her case to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court will announce their ruling on Thursday Feb 11, 2021 at 9:45 AM EST (US & Canada). Irene Deschenes and members of the Justice for Irene Network will be hosting a press conference over Zoom at 11:00 AM EST. Download the press release below for more details.

2021-02-10 Press Release: SCC Decision Download

Press Release: Jan. 18, 2021

The Justice for Irene Network (JIN) created a media release as background for their letter to Pope Francis. Considering recent developments regarding the Mount Cashel Supreme Court case, JIN is requesting that the Pope intervene to have the Diocese of London mediate a just settlement cancelling their leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

2021-01-18 Press Release Re: Letter To Pope Francis From JIN Download

2021-01-16 Open Letter to Pope Francis Download

Press Release: Sept. 15, 2020

Irene learned in August 2020 that the Diocese of London had decided to appeal her case to the Supreme Court of Canada. In response, a vigil was organized by her supporters outside of St. Peter’s Basilica on September 15, 2020 to protest this action by the diocese under the leadership of Bishop Ronald Fabbro. (Photo credits from left to right: Chatham This Week, CTV and CBC)

2020-09-15 Press Release: Vigil Download

Press Conference Aug. 20, 2020

The Diocese of London filed an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada in August 2020 to overturn the May 2020 ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal. The May 2020 ruling allowed the settlement reached between Irene and the Diocese of London in 2000 to be set aside. This is Irene’s response.