The lawyer representing the families of Leslie French and Kristen Mahaffy, who were victims of serial killer Paul Bernardo, is urging the government to re-evaluate the need for transparency in the corrections and parole systems. Tim Danson, the families’ lawyer, stated on Thursday that they do not believe Bernardo’s transfer to a medium-security prison was “sound” or lawful, as suggested by a review of his transfer. They are calling for legislative changes that address confinement standards for dangerous offenders and consider the original sentences imposed, taking into account the judge’s comments on Bernardo’s limited chance for rehabilitation. Danson emphasized the need for individualized criteria rather than one-size-fits-all policies.
Danson had a constructive conversation with Correctional Service Canada Commissioner Anne Kelly and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino regarding the review report. He did not mention the report’s findings about victim notification but criticized the Privacy Act, suggesting that it allows the CSC to protect itself from accountability by withholding information about notable inmates like Bernardo under the guise of privacy rights.
Danson previously issued an open letter on behalf of the families, expressing their surprise at not being notified prior to Bernardo’s transfer on May 29. He received vague voicemails from the CSC on the day of the transfer and was unable to reach them in time to prevent it. Danson questioned the credibility of the advanced notice, stating that the families only learned of the transfer that morning without any explanation. He emphasized the importance of providing timely and proper notice to the families of victims.
The review found that La Macaza, the medium-security prison where Bernardo was transferred, specializes in managing offenders like him. Any inmate can be transferred to a higher security level facility if deemed necessary. Despite being classified as medium-security, La Macaza has stringent perimeter control measures similar to a maximum-security facility.
Danson referred to Bernardo’s last parole hearing, which concluded in 2021, where it was determined that he showed no remorse, insight, or empathy. A psychiatrist at the hearing stated that Bernardo still exhibited the characteristics of sexual sadism, narcissistic personality disorder, and psychopathic traits, which are considered untreatable. Danson emphasized that Bernardo’s transfer to a medium-security institution does not change the fact that he is a psychopath.
In both the open letter and response to the review’s findings, Danson noted that psychopathy is characterized by manipulative behavior and argued that normal evaluation criteria should not have been applied to Bernardo.