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Dejaeger denied medical care, lawyer says Government of Nunavut denies that any inmate is deprived of treatmentJeanne Gagnon Northern News Services Published Monday, Sept 17, 2012
Eric Dejaeger's charges include 68 that are sex-related, one count each of failure to appear in court, uttering threats and unlawful confinement as well as three counts each of assault and use of violence to prevent reporting of suspicious activity. The 65-year-old accused is also facing one count of indecent assault and gross indecency in Alberta. Defence lawyer Malcolm Kempt told the Nunavut Court of Justice on Sept. 10 the accused has serious ailments, notably high blood pressure, a high iron count as well as heart and prostate problems. He added that his client has been in solitary confinement for 19 months but has been denied medical care. Kempt told the court Dejaeger was scheduled to visit a doctor this past January for his heart problem but the territorial government informed them he was not covered as he was not considered a resident. In response to Kempt's comments in court, the Department of Justice stated all inmates at the Baffin Correctional Centre receive "necessary medical treatment" and no one has been denied such care. The justice department adds that corrections workers do not make treatment decisions related to an inmate's health care. "Necessary medical treatment is never denied to an inmate based on residency or the ability to pay," wrote the Department of Justice in a statement. "Health care and treatment decisions for inmates are made by nurses at BCC and medical staff at the Qikiqtani General Hospital." Dejaeger was deported to Canada from Belgium in January 2011. He was arrested upon his arrival in this country in 2002 on a warrant for three charges of buggery and indecent assault for incidents alleged to have occurred in Iglulik between 1978 and 1982. In 1990, Dejaeger was convicted on eight counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault in Baker Lake and was sentenced to five years in prison. The accused waived his right to a preliminary hearing during his Jan. 9 court appearance. Justice Robert Kilpatrick said the indictment needs to be ready for Oct. 1 and a trial date set then. Crown prosecutor Barry Nordin, speaking outside the courtroom, said the last of the information he required was received from police earlier this month and the Crown was cross-checking that information with the indictment. The court has indicated his trial will be held in Iqaluit. Dejaeger's next court appearance is schedule for Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
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