Correctional Service of Canada to review Bernardo’s medium-security prison transfer

The Correctional Service of Canada said its commissioner has ordered another review of the decision to move serial killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison.

The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed it wants the review to ensure it was appropriate, evidence-based, and considerate of Bernardo’s victims.

“We want to acknowledge that our decisions have an impact on victims. These were horrific crimes, and we regret any pain and concern this has caused,” the statement read. “We want to assure Canadians that this offender continues to be incarcerated in a secure and controlled institution — with every precaution in place to maintain public safety.”

Last week, officials with the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers confirmed to CityNews that Bernardo was transferred from Millhaven Institution just outside Kingston to La Macaza Institution northwest of Montreal.

A spokesperson with the Correctional Service of Canada would not comment specifically on Bernardo’s case. In an update on Monday, a spokesperson said dangerous offenders like Bernardo are closely monitored.

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“It is important to know that medium security facilities have the same perimeter controls as maximum security institutions (high fences, armed controls, armed correctional officers equipped with proper security equipment, etc.,” the Correctional Service of Canada said.

“These facilities are strictly guarded 24/7, inmate movements controlled, and we have rigorous security protocols.”

Bernardo has been serving a life sentence for kidnapping, torturing and killing 15-year-old Kristen French and 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in the early 1990s near St. Catharines, Ont. He was also convicted of manslaughter in the 1990 death of his wife’s 15-year-old sister, Tammy Homolka.

Lawyer Tim Danson, who represents the relatives of French and Mahaffy, said the Correctional Service of Canada, citing Bernardo’s privacy rights, refused to answer questions about the reason for the move.

Danson said he was also unable to learn whether the serial murderer and sex offender was in protective custody or socializing with other inmates, which that security classification allows.

The Correctional Service of Canada explained that a review is required every two years, which ensures that inmates continue to be placed at the appropriate security level.

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“It’s important to note that some inmates never make it to minimum security, nor do they return to our communities,” the spokesperson said.

“We understand that Canadians want to know the reasons for such transfers. Security classifications and transfers are based on: risk to public safety, escape risk, an offender’s institutional adjustment, and other case-specific information, such as psychological risk assessments.”

“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,” they added.

Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both spoke out on the matter on Monday. Ford didn’t mince words, saying Bernardo “should rot in a maximum-security prison for the rest of his miserable existence.”

Trudeau said he understands how “shocked and appalled” Canadians are at the decision by the Correctional Service of Canada to transfer Bernardo to a medium-security prison.

Trudeau announced Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino would be raising the matter with the commissioner of the federal correctional service this week.

With files from The Canadian Press