Federal statistics reveal that the majority of Canada’s 700 most dangerous offenders are currently housed in medium- and minimum-security prisons. These statistics were presented in response to a written question from Frank Caputo, a Conservative member of Parliament from British Columbia. Caputo’s inquiry came after the news of Paul Bernardo, a notorious serial killer and rapist, being transferred from a maximum-security facility in Ontario to a medium-security prison in Quebec.
In light of the public outrage that followed the decision to transfer Bernardo, the Correctional Service of Canada reviewed their choice and determined that it adhered to the appropriate policy. Bernardo, who is serving an indeterminate life sentence and has been labeled a dangerous offender, was considered not to pose a risk to public safety. Additionally, the conditions in medium security were found to be comparable to those in maximum security, with no significant increase in luxury.
Despite these findings, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged the Liberal government to intervene and ensure that Bernardo and other dangerous offenders are required to complete their entire sentences in maximum-security prisons.