Denis Hall has dropped out of the race to be a trustee on the Catholic school board in the upcoming Saskatoon civic election.
Hall confirmed he was withdrawing from the race in an email late Monday to Global News.
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Earlier in the day, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon expressed concerns over Hall, who is a convicted sex offender.
Father Kevin McGee, the acting administrator of the diocese, questioned whether Hall was a suitable candidate in light of a past conviction for sexual assault.
Hall was convicted in 1981 on two charges of having sexual intercourse with girls aged 14 to 16.
He was also convicted on two charges of indecent assault against girls who were members of a basketball team he coached in the Regina Church Basketball Association.
Hall received a pardon in 1994.
“An important question to ask is whether Mr. Hall could enter into a relationship with others where the bond of trust can be easily developed and sustained so that the good work of proclaiming the message of the gospel can easily and naturally take place,” McGee said in a statement.
“When I consider such questions in light of Denis Hall and his desire to serve as a Catholic trustee, I have reason for serious concern that Mr. Hall is not suited for this position.”
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In a statement, the GSCS said the “school division has no legal recourse and is bound by the legislation.”
“We are aware of Mr. Hall’s criminal convictions, and we have taken steps over the years to prevent him and his organization, YAS, from having access to students and our buildings,” continued the statement.
“We will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our students in the future.”
Hall’s candidate biography on the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools website says he is a father of five Catholic school graduates and has a combined masters degree in education leadership and business administration.
Hall ran unsuccessfully in 2003.
With files from The Canadian Press
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