Inquiry Witness Criticizes CAS

May 31, 2007 — A witness at the Cornwall Public Inquiry is criticizing the Children's Aid Society. Cathy Sutherland is testifying about physical and sexual abuse she says she suffered at the hands of her mother during the 50s and 60s. She says the injuries she sustained were obvious and the CAS didn't intervene in the appropriate fashion. Peter Chisholm is a lawyer for the Children's Aid Society.
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Testifying at inquiry 'a gift': witness



Cornwall Standard-Freeholder  

Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 08:00

By Terri Saunders

A witness at the Cornwall Public Inquiry Thursday called testifying before the commission "a gift."

Cathy Sutherland spent Wednesday and part of Thursday talking at the physical, sexual and emotional abuse she says she suffered as a child both at the hands of her mother and at least one foster parent.

"This has been very helpful for me," said Sutherland, following the end of her testimony. "To be able to come here – it's a gift."

Sutherland said she tried for years to gain access to her complete Children's Aid Society file but was unsuccessful in doing so until she became involved in the inquiry and the agency was compelled to disclose the document to the commission.

Sutherland admitted taking the witness stand was difficult but it was something she felt she had to do.

"This has been a really good opportunity for me," she said. "Stressful, but good."

The inquiry is continuing with another witness this afternoon. The man, who cannot currently be identified due to an existing court-ordered publication ban, is talking about the abuse he says he suffered at the hands of a city school teacher and a priest when he was a teenager.