Report into ex-choir teacher in Barry's Bay, Ont. finds evidence of sexual misconduct
An independent report into the conduct of a former choir teacher at a Catholic school in Barry’s Bay, Ont. has found evidence of sexual misconduct.
Ottawa police said in 2019 that Uwe Lieflander would be charged with sexual assault if he ever returned to Canada because of a reported incident that took place while he was a teacher. An arrest warrant had been issued, but police believe he is still overseas.
Lieflander was employed by Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (SWC) in Barry’s Bay from 2007 to 2017, when the alleged incident occurred.
A recently released report, performed by Elizabeth Grace of Lerners LLP, found that the facts support a finding that Lieflander committed sexualized misconduct against a former SWC student, but that it happened after she had graduated.
However, the report also found that while the victim was a student at SWC, Lieflander abused her emotionally and psychologically. It was only after she left the school that the abuse became sexual.
The report also found that the school’s oversight and prevention measures to deter, detect and stop misconduct were inadequate. Lieflander contravened the school’s code of conduct through what the report called “his parental-like relationship” with the victim during her year as a full-time student.
Finally, the report found that while the school acted appropriately upon learning of the allegations, people in authority at SWC did not heed warning signs or “red flags” about Lieflander’s relationship with the student in question beforehand.
“Knowledge that a faculty member was in a close, personal relationship with a student should have prompted them to make further inquiries, monitor the situation and/or report the matter to SWC’s President,” the report said.
SWC said in its own statement upon release of the report that there is no evidence or allegation that Lieflander engaged in misconduct with any other student during his tenure. The school said it is in the process of “further strengthening its policies, procedures, and training in the relevant areas, including developing a stand-alone sexual violence policy to augment what is in the College’s Anti-abuse, Violence, and Harassment Policy.”
Ottawa police say a warrant for Lieflander remains outstanding.
"The OPS and Crown’s office have continued to work with Mr. Lieflander’s counsels in efforts to move this matter forward," a police spokesperson said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.