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Swift Current candidate accused of victim-blaming child sex abuse victim

Sep 24, 2016 | 8:53 AM

A Swift Current business owner hoping to be elected to city council is accused of putting part of the blame on the victim of sexual abuse.

Ricardo Morin allegedly emailed a local community organization in Swift Current criticizing its financial support for the city’s Safe Place Youth Certified Initiative.

It was championed by former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy, who was sexually abused as a young athlete while living in Swift Current.

“Furthermore Sheldon Kenedy (sic) was not a kid when the so called changed his life episode event happened,” Morin’s email stated. 

“He participated in those events and has to accept some responsibility for his actions. You are not helping the real cause but supporting the burden put upon the taxpayers of this city to continue the legacy of Sheldon to the taxpayers of Swift Current.

“What you should have done was to ask Sheldon to step up to the plate and support his legacy instead of putting the burden on the taxpayers of this city. You should be f—–g ashamed of yourself,” he allegedly wrote.

Pedophile Graham James was convicted of sexually abusing Kennedy, along with other young hockey players, during his time as head coach of the WHL Swift Current Broncos in the 1980’s and 90’s.

When asked about the email by Swift Current media, Morin allegedly laughed and said his comments were a “misconception.”

980 CJME also reached out to Morin.

“I’ve actually had to deal with a lawyer on this so now it’s a legal issue and I was advised not to comment just yet,” he said.

The prospective councillor is also not commenting on how he thinks potential voters will react to the allegations. He would only say he would like his accusers to come forward.

 

kmartel@cjme.com
On Twitter: @KevinMartel