IQALUIT — The devastating effects of Eric Dejaeger’s sexual abuse of seven Inuit children more than four decades ago are being felt by the community as Justice Faiyaz Alibhai handed the former Catholic priest a six-year prison sentence on January 30, 2025. Dejaeger, 77, pleaded guilty last week to multiple counts of indecent assault against six girls and one boy, actions committed during his time as a priest between 1978 and 1982 in the hamlet of Igloolik, Nunavut.
This recent sentencing marks yet another chapter in Dejaeger’s long history of abuse, which has plagued him with multiple convictions over the years. Justice Alibhai emphasized the ripple effect of Dejaeger’s actions, stating, “He destroyed their childhood, hurt their relations with their families and ruined their relationship with their church.” His remarks highlighted how the trauma experienced by these children extended to the next generation, with the children of his victims also suffering as a consequence.
Court proceedings revealed heart-wrenching testimonies from five survivors, with ages ranging from four to nine at the time of their abuse. Tragically, two of the other victims have since died. The judge paused throughout the reading to allow for interpretation of his words in the local language, showing the sensitive nature of the proceedings.
“Virtually all of the victims advised,” Justice Alibhai continued, “that the offences destroyed their relationship with the Catholic Church, marginalized them, and made it difficult for them to communicate with their loved ones.” He also noted how the experiences affected their ability to engage intimately with their own families, leading many to become overly protective of their own children.
The agreement for the six-year sentence was jointly proposed by both the Crown and defense lawyers, reflecting the grave circumstances surrounding the case. Prior to sentencing, Dejaeger briefly addressed the court, uttering, “I would like to ask for forgiveness for the cruel things I have done. I am a changed person. And all the time I have been in prison — I have had a lot of time to think. And also the last 40 years, I have not reoffended.” His comments, met with skepticism by many, underscored the complicated responses of victims and their families toward his perceived remorse.
Philippe Plourde, the chief federal prosecutor for Nunavut, recognized the challenges for survivors but expressed gratitude for their bravery. “No sentence will repair the harm done by such atrocious violence, particularly by someone in a position of trust and authority who abused the most vulnerable members of our society, children,” Plourde remarked, emphasizing the courage of those who came forward to share their stories.
George Dolhai, director of public prosecutions, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “This encourages persons who have experienced such abuse to come forward, thereby supporting confidence in the administration of criminal justice.” His statement reinforces the importance of seeing justice served, especially when it may take decades for survivors to gain the courage to report their abusers.
Dejaeger faces strict sentencing conditions upon his release, including a lifetime ban on firearms and other weapons, as well as being required to register as a sex offender for life. He is prohibited from entering areas where children could be present, such as playgrounds and swimming pools, and his interactions with minors will be heavily restricted — requiring adult supervision at all times if he is to be near anyone under the age of 16.
His latest arrest came after the RCMP announced he was apprehended on a Canada-wide warrant issued due to investigations conducted between 2011 and 2015, highlighting the lengthy and complex nature of bringing justice to these victims. This incident is now the fifth time Dejaeger has faced sentencing for crimes against children, illustrating a deeply troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
Previously, Dejaeger had served part of a five-year sentence starting in 1990 for sexual crimes against children committed between 1982 and 1989. Following his earlier convictions, he received additional sentences over the years, including 19 years for 32 crimes against Inuit children and adults from 1978 to 1982, indicating the severe and enduring fallout of his abuses.
This report reveals just how far reaching the impact of child sexual abuse can be, and how necessary it is for victims to find their voice within a system historically slow to respond adequately to such crimes. Justice may take time, but as shown, it remains accessible, even decades later, when those impacted draw upon their strength and courage to finally speak out.