Correctional Service of Canada releases statement on Paul Bernardo's transfer to medium-security prison
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has released a statement about serial killer Paul Bernardo's transfer to a medium-security prison.
"These were horrific crimes and we regret any pain and concern this has caused," the statement, released Monday afternoon, said. "We want to assure Canadians that this offender continues to be incarcerated in a secure and controlled institution."
The agency said Commissioner Anne Kelly has ordered an additional review to ensure Bernardo’s transfer was "appropriate, evidence-based, and more importantly, adequately considered victims."
The statement does not say why Bernardo was transferred.
Last week, Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec after spending more than a decade at Millhaven Institution near Kingston. The now 58-year-old is responsible for the murders of teenagers Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
The CSC said it’s “important to know” medium-security facilities also have the same perimeter controls as maximum-security institutions.
"These facilities are strictly guarded 24/7, inmate movement is controlled, and we have rigorous security protocols," the CSC said.
The CSC said the decisions on prisoner security levels are reviewed by law every two years.
“Let us be clear that, at any point, an inmate can be placed, or returned to, a higher security level if deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the public or our institutions, and, pending the review, we will not hesitate to do so, if needed.”
'ROT IN HELL'
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford released a statement on Monday about Bernardo's transfer, saying he should "rot in a maximum-security prison" for the rest of his "miserable existence."
"We stand with his victims and their families, including those of Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French," Ford said in a statement.
Minister Paul Calandra echoed the premier’s sentiments, telling reporters on Monday that Bernardo should “rot in hell, and until then until, he should rot in a maximum-security facility.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he understands how "shocked and appalled" Canadians are at the decision.
Trudeau said that's why Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino will be raising the matter with the commissioner of the correctional service this week.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
They were from different countries and barely spoke each other's languages. More than 20 years later, they're still happily in love
He decided to spend Christmas somewhere that wouldn't involve snowstorm disasters. She was spending the holidays with family, travelling for the first time outside of her native country of Venezuela. 23 years later, they're still in love.
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Verdun Airbnb listing taken down amid complaints, fines and frustration from neighbours
An Airbnb in Montreal's Verdun borough was the source of much frustration from neighbours who say there were constant parties at the location. It has been taken down from the app, but housing advocates remain upset about short-term rentals.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
12 students and teacher killed in Columbine school shooting remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
Thirteen victims of the Columbine High School shooting were remembered during a vigil Friday on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the shooting that was the worst the nation had seen at the time.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Iraq investigates a blast at a base of Iran-allied militias that killed 1. U.S. denies involvement
Iraqi authorities said Saturday that they were investigating an explosion that struck a base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-allied militias, killing one person and injuring eight.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.