Progressives and Bloc Québécois resist Conservative efforts to investigate transfer of criminals to medium-security prisons.
An effort by the Conservatives to launch a detailed committee study on the transfer of high-profile killers, like Luka Magnotta, to medium-security prisons was blocked by Liberal and Bloc MPs.
The Conservatives called for a special meeting of the House of Commons public safety committee on March 11, following news that Mr. Magnotta had been transferred to medium-security in 2022. Mr. Magnotta is serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of a university student.
The transfer of Paul Bernardo to medium-security in May 2023 sparked controversy and was previously studied by the committee. Mr. Bernardo is serving a life sentence for crimes committed in the 1990s.
Tory MP Frank Caputo proposed six committee meetings to examine these transfers and hear from various witnesses, including Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his predecessor, Marco Mendicino.
Conservative MP Dane Lloyd emphasized the need for a new study given recent revelations that he believes are concerning to Canadians.
Liberal MPs initially indicated support for the study but later expressed concerns that the Tories might use it for political purposes.
Liberal MP Jennifer O’Connell suggested further investigation into the transfers to make valuable recommendations. She cautioned against using the study for political gain.
Ms. O’Connell proposed adding more witnesses to the list recommended by the Conservatives, including the Commissioner of Correctional Service Canada and the warden of the facility housing Mr. Magnotta.
The Liberals changed their position after Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud presented an amendment to streamline the witness list and reduce the number of meetings. The amendment passed with Liberal support.
Ms. Michaud argued that the committee had already conducted multiple meetings on the transfer issue and emphasized the importance of hearing from the medical team that assessed Mr. Magnotta’s gender identity.
According to records from the Toronto Sun, the medical team had doubts about Mr. Magnotta’s gender identity claim.
Ms. Michaud highlighted concerns about Mr. Magnotta’s transfer and the reasons behind it.
