Priest Dejaeger Being Denied Medical Treatment, Says Lawyer

CBC News
September 10, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/09/10/north-dejaeger-doctor-nunavut.html

A Roman Catholic priest who faces many sex-related offences has been denied medical treatment by the Government of Nunavut, according to his lawyer.

Eric Dejaeger has been held in solitary confinement at Iqaluit’s Baffin Correctional Centre for the past 19 months. The 65-year old faces 77 charges for offences alleged to have occurred during his time in Igloolik, Nunavut, 30 years ago.

Eric Dejaeger has been in custory at the Baffin Correctional Centre for the past 19 months.Eric Dejaeger has been in custory at the Baffin Correctional Centre for the past 19 months. (CBC)

Dejaeger’s lawyer, Malcolm Kempt, was in court Monday. Kempt told the judge that his client suffers from high blood pressure, heart problems and other ailments.

Kempt said an appointment with a heart specialist was cancelled by Nunavut officials because Dejaeger is not a resident of the territory.

Justice Robert Kilpatrick said in response, "If you can't move the director of corrections to do the right thing and provide care, then I would recommend an application to the court."

Justice Robert Kilpatrick also voiced some frustration with the amount of time it is taking for the case to move forward. He said “something has to happen within the next 30 days”.

Dejaeger’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 1.