In recent years, the Canadian Church has come under increased scrutiny regarding its response to allegations of child abuse and clergy sexual misconduct. These incidents are not only morally reprehensible and spiritually devastating—they also carry serious legal and financial implications. Churches are entrusted with the care of the most vulnerable among us. To honour that trust and walk in obedience to Christ, it is imperative that churches in Canada implement strong safeguarding protocols.

A Sobering Case Study

Consider the case of Father Brian Boucher in Montréal, Québec. In 2019, Boucher was sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually abusing boys over a span of 20 years. Reports indicated that concerns had been raised to church authorities on multiple occasions, but no decisive action was taken until many years later. The case not only highlighted failures in internal accountability but also underscored the lifelong trauma victims suffer. Civil lawsuits followed, and the Church’s credibility was severely damaged. This is just one of many examples where the absence of proper safeguards allowed abuse to persist unchecked.

Summer camp (either day camps or residential camps) has long been celebrated as a highlight of childhood. For many, it’s a place of laughter, deep friendships, personal growth, and learning new skills... But for others, it’s a place where painful memories were born—often in the absence of proper protections. As we reflect on two very different camp experiences, we are reminded of the sacred responsibility we carry to protect children and youth.

Megan is a full-time remote worker caring for her mother, Esther, who has early-onset dementia. Esther is mobile but often confused, demanding attention throughout the day. With Megan’s husband, Josh, working long hours as an electrician, Megan manages the entire caregiving responsibility often alone. Worried about elder fraud and security, Megan rarely leaves Esther alone. Meanwhile, she juggles responsibilities with her adult children and grandchildren, further stretching her emotional and physical limits.

Over time, stress builds—Megan struggles to sleep, loses patience, and begins forgetting essential tasks, including Esther’s medication schedule. One evening, overwhelmed, Megan snaps at her mother, shocking herself. This moment of frustration makes her realize that caregiver burnout is real, and if she doesn’t seek support, her own well-being and Esther’s safety are at risk.

This past month, I was called in as an Expert Witness for a lawsuit of abuse that occurred 50 years ago. The standard of care in the 1970s was significantly less than it is in 2025. Remarkably, the organization was able to retrieve volunteer application forms, registration records of the children enrolled in the program, policies on volunteer...

Elder abuse  within Indigenous communities is a grave but often hidden is sue. Many elderly Indigenous individuals feel afraid or ashamed to report abuse, particularly when family members are the perpetrators. This abuse takes many forms, including spiritual, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial exploitation, all of which compound...

Do you know a senior suffering in silence?

Elder abuse is a silent epidemic that affects millions of older adults worldwide. It takes many forms—physical, emotional, financial, neglect, and even spiritual abuse. Often, it happens behind closed doors, making it difficult to detect and address. As a community, we have a collective responsibility...

I feel your pain!  Twenty-five years ago, I was the Executive Director of a charity, and our insurance company notified me that they would not continue our abuse coverage as we were not meeting their requirements to qualify for coverage.  I can assure you that it was not due to a claim or any historical abuse that we were aware of, but...

As I write this article, it is 6:00 a.m., and I am sitting in a guest house on the coast of Kenya. For the first time in six years our family has come together from our different corners of the world for a holiday.  Here I am grandmama, and mama!  Two names that I adore! Each moment with my family is precious.

The house is quiet, so I...

Confronting AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

Science fiction is pretty annoying. It keeps coming up with new ideas, like AI, which then become reality and change the world for everybody. In many ways, AI promises to improve our world. In others, it brings new risks and threats. Typically, when Americans think “Threats from...

Psychological safety in churches, charities, and businesses is of paramount importance, as it creates an environment where your people feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing ideas, and taking risks without fear of retribution or harm. Addressing psychological safety is an important component of safeguarding children, youth, vulnerable...