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
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Severe thunderstorms set to hit some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind and severe thunderstorms across Canada.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.