(OTTAWA) The Correctional Service of Canada will reconsider its decision to transfer killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security facility, as political leaders react with outrage to the transfer.
In a statement, the Correctional Service said on Monday that it will ensure that the decision is appropriate, based on evidence and takes sufficient account of victims.
The service admits Bernardo’s crimes were horrific, but remains silent on the motives that led to his transfer from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday at a press conference in Ottawa that he understands how “shocked and appalled” Canadians are by the decision. That’s why, he said, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino was expected to raise the issue this week with the Commissioner of Corrections.
The transfer of Bernardo to a facility in Quebec became known last week when the Correctional Service informed the lawyer representing the families of Kristen French, 15, and Leslie Mahaffy, 14, whom Bernardo had kidnapped, tortured and murdered in the early 1990s.
The killer was previously serving his life sentence at the maximum-security Millhaven Institution, near Kingston, Ontario.
Gold, M.e Tim Danson said he was informed by telephone last week that Bernardo had been transferred to the medium security establishment of La Macaza, in the Laurentians.
He finds it unacceptable that the Correctional Service refuses to specify the reasons for Bernardo’s transfer or the details of his conditions of detention, invoking his right to privacy.
The Correctional Service also clarified Monday that security classifications are based on risk to public safety, an offender’s institutional fit and other case-specific information, including psychological risk assessments.
The agency adds that Bernardo, who has been designated a dangerous offender, is serving an “indefinite” prison sentence.
” It’s a monster ”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Monday called the transfer “scandalous”. “The government should review all the powers it has to reverse this ridiculous decision,” he told reporters. Mr. Bernardo is a freak and his place is in maximum security. »
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement that “Bernardo should languish in a maximum security prison for the rest of his miserable life. Period. »
In a statement last Friday, Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino called Bernardo’s transfer “shocking and incomprehensible”. He indicated that he planned to raise the issue with Anne Kelly, Commissioner of Corrections.
A statement that pleased Me Dance. “But now we need action,” added the lawyer. “He’s one of Canada’s most notorious sadistic and psychopathic killers,” he told The Canadian Press.
“Citizens, in their millions, need to write to the Minister, the Commissioner of Corrections and Members of Parliament, to express their outrage over this – that secrecy will not work: we demand transparency. »
“Victim centered approach”
Minister Mendicino indicated on Friday that he expected “to take a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach in these cases”.
Me Danson argues that the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy were shocked to learn of Bernardo’s transfer – a decision that stirs up decades of torment and heartbreak.
“And then that I have to tell them as a lawyer and a friend, ‘I’m afraid I don’t have answers for you because of Bernardo’s right to privacy,'” he said. Of course, their answer is what you would expect: “What about Kristen’s rights? What about Leslie’s rights? And [nos] rights? ”
According to Me Danson, Bernardo’s dangerous offender status makes the transfer to a medium-security facility, with more lenient living conditions, all the more confusing. “We need open and transparent discussion and debate. These are very large public institutions paid for by the taxpayers of Canada. »
He suggested that the Correctional Service’s handling of the case risked causing the public to lose faith in the whole system. “They want to do everything behind closed doors and in secret. »