A 72-year-old teacher for the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board has reportedly been terminated after being charged with sexually abusing two students at a school in Blind River.
Donald Trudeau is facing two counts of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age after being charged by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Oct. 15, according to a news release from East Algoma OPP issued Thursday.
An investigation revealed the sexual assaults allegedly took place between September 2023 and Oct. 15. None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
Mississauga First Nation (MFN) took to social media Thursday, advising community members that it is aware of the charges laid against the teacher.
“We have been informed that the individual has been relieved of their duties,” the First Nation said in its post. “Please be advised the OPP will be keeping us updated regarding this investigation.
“It is imperative that we protect our MFN students in attendance at the institution from any possible and further abuse and provide support as needed.”
Community support is being made available through the First Nation’s mental health department for any band members who may have been affected. SooToday has reached out to Mississauga First Nation for comment.
In an email to SooToday Friday, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB) said the school board takes allegations of “inappropriate behaviour very seriously.”
“Unfortunately, given that this is a personnel matter and given the ongoing police investigation, HSCDSB cannot publicly comment on the allegations,” wrote HSCDSB communications officer Danielle Dupuis. “HSCDSB has and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in dealing with allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
“HSCDSB has protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, which are actioned once allegations of this sort are made. HSCDSB is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for its students.”
The Blind River man was initially tapped to deliver a virtual presentation entitled 'Infusing Language and Culture in STEM' (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) — alongside his daughter, who is currently employed as an educator with HSCDSB — during this year’s Indspire National Gathering for Indigenous Education, scheduled to take place in Winnipeg next week.
Trudeau appeared before bail court at the Ontario Court of Justice in Blind River on Nov. 14.
Anyone with information regarding similar incidents are asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.saultcrimestoppers.com.
Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources here to help. You can visit the Victim Services of Algoma website at http://www.victimservicesalgoma.ca for assistance. A toll-free call can also be placed to 1-888-822-7792 where your information will remain anonymous and confidential. If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 911.