(CANADA)
Saltwire Network [Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada]
April 7, 2026
By Terrence McEachern
A former P.E.I. Roman Catholic priest who sexually abused an altar boy in the late 1980s has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Brendon Earl Gallant, 80, appeared in provincial court in Charlottetown on April 7 for sentencing. The five-year prison sentence was a joint recommendation from Crown attorney John Diamond and defence lawyer Chris Montigny that was accepted by Judge Nancy Orr.
Gallant previously pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge on Aug. 21, 2025, in provincial court in Georgetown. A publication ban is in place preventing the release of information that could identify the male victim.
Agreed statement of facts
According to an agreed statement of facts previously read in court, the victim reported the historic sexual abuse by Gallant to the RCMP on March 3, 2023. The police investigation revealed that Gallant was assigned to St. Margaret’s parish in Kings County and met the victim in the 1980s. Gallant knew the victim through his participation in the church, including as an altar server.
Gallant took an interest in the victim, including taking him to the rectory. The victim was excited that an adult was taking an interest in him at the time. The victim stayed at the rectory with Gallant for overnight visits.
The sexual abuse occurred at the rectory and involved Gallant using his hands to fondle the victim’s body and private parts. The overnight visits occurred twice a month after mass and Gallant and the victim slept in the same bed.
The victim was also given alcohol on occasion and recalled an incident when he woke up feeling sore and went to the washroom. There was blood in the toilet and the victim believed there was an attempt to have penetrative sex with him.
The relationship between Gallant and the victim ended in the early 1990s. At that time, the victim’s relationship with the church came to an end. The victim kept the relationship with Gallant a secret but the emotional toll led to a dependence on alcohol and mental health issues.
The police investigation led to Gallant being arrested on March 29, 2025. Gallant did not have a prior criminal record.
Guilty plea
On Aug. 21, 2025, when Gallant pleaded guilty to sexual assault, he also went through a plea inquiry and answered “yes” to several questions, including that he was making the guilty plea of his own free will. Gallant also signed the agreed statement of facts. The matter was adjourned so a pre-sentence report could be prepared to assist the court.
When the matter returned on Oct. 21, 2025, for sentencing in Georgetown, Gallant’s lawyer at the time, Peter Ghiz, told the court that his client wanted to withdraw his guilty plea. The matter was transferred to P.E.I. Supreme Court to hear an application. However, the application was abandoned and the matter was returned to provincial court for sentencing — this time with Montigny as Gallant’s lawyer.
Sentencing
At sentencing on April 7, Orr noted a comment in the pre-sentence report made by Gallant that he didn’t commit the offence but pleaded guilty to avoid embarrassing the Diocese at a trial. Montigny said that Gallant accepts responsibility for his actions and that he stands by the guilty plea and the agreed statement of facts.
Diamond outlined several aggravating factors in the case, including the breach of trust with the victim and that the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the offences. As well, the offence has had a significant impact on the victim.
Diamond also noted that the delays in the court matter have caused the victim further anxiety but he is grateful for the closure. Gallant’s guilty plea was important because it prevented the victim from having to testify at a trial.
Article content
In terms of his client’s personal circumstances, Montigny said that Gallant is dealing with health issues, including cognitive impairments. Gallant also spoke briefly in court and said that he was truly sorry for the hurt he caused the victim and his family.
Sex offender registry, other conditions
In addition to the five years in prison, Gallant was also sentenced to a sex offender information registry order for 20 years, a weapons prohibition and a DNA order. Gallant is not allowed to have contact with the victim while in custody.
Orr also imposed an order for 10 years with conditions that include staying away from places where persons under the age of 16 are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, such as public parks, public swimming areas, daycare centres, school grounds, playgrounds or community centres.
The 10-year order also prohibits Gallant from seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment or volunteer position that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16. Gallant also cannot be within two kilometres of the victim’s residence or his place of education or employment.