Former Vanoc boss John Furlong says he categorically denies each and every accusation levelled at him in a bombshell story in the Georgia Straight.
The story accuses Furlong of mentally and physically abusing native children while he worked as a phys-ed teacher in burns lake in the late 60's and early 70's.
Furlong read a statement to the media a short time ago in Vancouver.

"I want you to know, that I categorically deny absolutely any wrongdoing and I believe that the RCMP, looking into this matter, will discredit the complaint, entirely, because it just didn't happen. Let me just say I am proud of the work I have done and the time i have spent up north and across the country working with first nations and aboriginal communities".

Furlong did not take questions, and plans legal action.
He says not once did he get a call from the paper concerning the allegations.

The reporter who did the story, Laura Robinson, says she fully expected Furlong to proceed with legal action.

And she's not backing down.

"Of course I am standing by the story. I worked a long time....I first contacted Mr. Furlong in March, 2011, when I found out that he had come to Canada as a Frontier Apostle and he wouldn't confirm or deny and then, he just, through his publisher said, "Mr. Furlong has nothing more to say to you"

She was speaking on The World Today on CKNW.

And here is a statement from the Georgia Straight:
 
The Georgia Straight has heard John Furlong’s statement this afternoon regarding an article in today’s newspaper. The story was backed up with eight sworn affidavits. Marvin Storrow did not make Mr. Furlong available to respond to questions from the journalist, Laura Robinson. She also attempted without success to reach Mr. Furlong through his publisher, Douglas & McIntyre. Ms. Robinson was told that Mr. Furlong had “nothing more” to say to her.

 Listen to Furlong's statement below.