Disturbing week for Quebec parents

Every parents’ worst nightmare come true was compounded when witnesses said they saw the little girl looking for a dog, even though her family doesn’t have one, and reports of an unidentified man trying to lure other youngsters into conversation in the same area in the days leading up to Cedrika’s disappearance has created a feeling of unease no matter where you live.

As I write these words, the idea of someone taking advantage of a child’s good and trusting nature brings up bile.

Cedrika’s parents are powerless to do anything but wait for news of their little girl’s whereabouts, and parents everywhere are praying for her safe return.

I know I am.

That news came sandwiched between reports that Montreal could potentially become a destination for pedophiles with discussion on a website — currently being investigated by police — that the city’s annual Fête des Enfants always has “plenty of little girls” in attendance.

Montreal police spokesman Ian Lafreniere said there is nothing for parents to be worried about.

“I understand parents who could be stressed with that, but on the other hand, I’m telling you, there’s nothing to be stressed about,” he said. “We’ll be present. The organization is aware of that and we’ll do everything possible to find out what was the intention of those people.”

Um, Ian? Still stressed over here.

I’ll tell you what their intention is. It makes me sick just thinking about it. The thought of children as sexual objects is repugnant and, about the most selfish thing on the planet, holding zero regard for the child’s innocence and their right to grow up as normally as possible.

And you’ll pardon me, Ian, if I don’t share your sense of optimism. I don’t know what we have planned in terms of family activities beyond a trip to Parc Safari, but I can tell you one place we won’t be going: the Montreal Fête des Enfants.

Nothing personal.

I just don’t like the company we might be keeping. I know a few parents who feel the same way, and that’s unfortunate — pedophiles have gone and ruined it.

These guys (and they’re pretty much always men) want you to think they have a right to free speech — and so do I.

Preying on children is the worst thing you can do in the world. It’s evil and it’s wrong, and down the road, you will get what’s coming to you.

Guys who prey on kids generally don’t do very well in prison - which has its own very skewed sense of justice, I’m told — and frankly, it’s the best I’ve felt since I started writing this column.

A pedophile in jail. Many pedophiles in jail.

That, I could get used to.