Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - July 30, 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba C M Y K PAGE A5 winnipegfreepress. com TOP NEWS WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015 A 5 ( 204) 956.9699 stainlessconcepts. ca RAILINGS COUNTERTOPS BACKSPLASHES SCULPTURE ART Bringing your ideas to life COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS DESIGN, FABRICATE AND INSTALL 204.956. 7709 / SHEPSHAIR. COM S COUTS Canada says there was no attempt to silence sexual- assault allegations against one of its veteran volunteer leaders who now faces criminal charges. Larry Kiska, 45, appeared in court earlier this month accused of abusing a Winnipeg teen who was involved in the Scouts program, beginning in August 2011 when she was just 15. The alleged abuse continued until May 2013. But an internal memo, obtained by the Free Press this week, shows Scouts officials were first made aware of what they called " concerns" about Kiska in June 2012. They conducted an internal investigation that " uncovered no criminal activity." Yet the organization suspended Kiska immediately, then terminate his services in September 2012. John Petitti, a spokesman for Scouts Canada, told the Free Press Wednesday they handled the matter properly. He said officials spoke to several parties, including the young girl and her family, as part of their investigation. Petitti said no allegations of criminal activity were brought forward at the time. " If they were, we would have gone immediately to police," Petitti said. However, Scouts Canada still decided to take action against Kiska because it was clear to them he had violated a major rule within the organization's code of conduct. " You are never to be alone with a youth member, except in an emergency," Petitti said. " Other volunteers had raised concerns about his compliance with that rule. Every one of our volunteers is well aware of it. With the violation of that rule, there's no room for it in our organization." Kiska's lawyer, Mike Cook, said Wednesday it's his understanding the young girl who came forward to police earlier this year and triggered the investigation was not forthcoming with Scouts officials in 2012. " They questioned her about my client but she did not respond to their inquiry," said Cook. " I understand the complainant did not want the matter pursued." Kiska is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting the teen for 10 months up until he was suspended by Scouts Canada in June 2012. The incidents allegedly occurred during both sanctioned Scouts events and personal private time. The abuse allegedly kept going for another 11 months after Kiska was suspended and then fired, this time purely on personal private time. It's not clear exactly when the teen went to police. Kiska was arrested in May and made his first court appearance July 6. On that day Scouts Canada sent the internal memo to all members and families about the case. Petitti said anyone who previously had dealings with Kiska was notified. " This is a terrible situation," Petitti said. He said no other members have come forward to either Scouts Canada or police with similar allegations against Kiska, who began volunteering with the organization in 2007. He doesn't have a criminal record and completed " all training and police screening requirements prior to working with youth," Scouts Canada said. Kiska's lawyer said they are awaiting disclosure from the Crown. Kiska is on bail with several conditions, including having no contact with children. " Mr. Kiska devoted many years to Scouts Canada, helping hundreds of people learn valuable life skills. He is a well- respected member of our community," said Cook. " Once we have the entirety of the file we will analyze the evidence and determine our position at law." Paul Therrien, vice- president of human resources and labour with Legacy Bowes Group, said it's always a tough call what to do when serious allegations come forward, whether it's with a nonprofit group, charitable organization or private business. Therrien said depending on where the information is coming from, an internal investigation should be done first. " It could be a disgruntled employee. so I wouldn't go to the police immediately," said Therrien. " But at the first sign you have enough information it could be a criminal offence, I'd get the police involved." Therrien said all organizations should have written policies outlining what should be done when allegations come forward. In the memo sent earlier this month to Scouts Canada families who had dealings with Kiska, the organization admitted " our commitment to youth safety has come under scrutiny." " This situation reinforces the need for Scouts Canada to remain vigilant in ensuring that our youth safety policies are followed to the letter by every single member of our organization. We must ensure that our volunteers and Scouting parents understand our strict safety policies, are encouraged to ( report) any potential safety concerns, and are confident that should they do so," Andrew Price, the executive commissioner and CEO, told members. " Scouts Canada will act swiftly. There can be no exceptions at any time. We must always err on the side of caution." www. mikeoncrime. com - with files from Kevin Rollason No criminal activity uncovered: Scouts Volunteer accused of sexual abuse By Mike McIntyre FOR the third straight day, one of Winnipeg's Conservative MPs will make a major funding announcement and this one is expected to be significant. Joyce Bateman ( Winnipeg South Centre) will hold a news conference at Waverley Street and Taylor Avenue today, where it's expected she will announce Ottawa will help pay for the $ 175- million rail underpass project. Joining Bateman will be Mayor Brian Bowman and Drew Caldwell, the provincial municipal government minister. The city identified the underpass as its top priority in its pitch to Ottawa's Building Canada Fund. The railway crossing sees 30,000 vehicles daily but increasing rail traffic is a constant headache for suburban commuters. City officials have said the $ 175- million price tag is a ball- park figure and further design work is necessary to pin down the cost with more accuracy. The city expects its share of the project to be about $ 64 million, with the province and Ottawa picking up the remaining costs. City council had hoped Ottawa would announce funding for another major infrastructure project - the $ 250- million Marion Street widening and underpass at Archibald Street - but it's not yet known if the federal government will commit itself to both projects. Today's funding announcement will be the second one by Bateman this week. On Tuesday, she was at city hall to announce the city would receive $ 40.9 million for 41 road- improvement and transit projects from the federal gas tax fund. On Wednesday, MP Lawrence Toet ( Elmwood- Kildonan) announced $ 1.45 million in funding to 11 local projects through the Canada 150 community infrastructure program fund, with city hall getting more than $ 1 million for three projects and the rest shared by several community organizations. The flood of federal announcements is expected to herald the calling of the Oct. 19 federal election, which some have speculated will occur Sunday. aldo. santin@ freepress. mb. ca Bateman expected to announce rail underpass commitment today By Aldo Santin A_ 07_ Jul- 30- 15_ FP_ 01. indd A5 7/ 29/ 15 10: 32: 02 PM ;