Copy of ‘Silence protects systems’: Survivor of clergy sexual abuse says it’s incredibly daunting to take action against the Catholic Church
CKPG Today - March 12, 2026
Prince George, BC - When Leona Huggins was just twelve years, she was sexually abused by a priest. The priest who harmed her served a 10-month sentence and was later reassigned to ministry. Leona now supports survivors through her work at a Vancouver law firm and was the sole Canadian survivor invited to advise the planning committee for the late Pope Francis’ summit on the protection of minors in the Church. Huggins is still helping others who have been abused, founding a peer support group for clergy abuse survivors and continues to speak out to create an environment that will encourage not only those who have been harmed but also witnesses and whistleblowers to come forward.
CTV News (Montreal) - September 13, 2026 Montreal, QC - Former Montreal priest Brian Boucher’s statutory release has been revoked following allegations he viewed child sexual abuse material on public transit. The Parole Board imposed stricter conditions for any future release. Boucher remains detained on new charges and is due back in court in November.
The Canadian Press - September 8, 2026 Montreal, QC - Former Montreal priest Brian Boucher, 64, will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Nov. 23, 2026, after waiving his right to a bail hearing on new charges involving child sexual abuse material. Boucher was previously sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019 for sexually assaulting two boys and was released into the community in 2024. He was stripped of his priesthood in 2020.