Image credit: X/@FrankCaputoKTC

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Caputo’s melodramatic video aside, prison system needs review

Mar 6, 2024 | 5:55 AM

MP FRANK CAPUTO’S video on killer Paul Bernardo’s living conditions is dramatic, even theatrical, but it turns out it might not be totally accurate.

With thumping background music, file footage and a declaration that “I came face to face with Paul Bernardo,” the seven-minute production has gone viral on social media.

In true Poilievre style, Caputo claims Bernardo and notorious murderer Luka Magnotta are living better than most Canadians. I doubt most Canadians want to live in a prison cell but it makes for good dramatic effect.

Caputo, who got an official tour of the medium-security La Macaza prison in Quebec, says he was shocked to find it has a hockey rink and other recreational facilities. He paints an image of Bernardo and Magnotta playing tennis or shooting a few pucks.

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Trouble is, Correctional Service Canada says the hockey rink hasn’t been in operation for the past couple of winters, so nobody’s been playing — as Caputo’s video claims — “taxpayer-funded serial killer pickup hockey.”

And, regarding Caputo’s anecdote about coming “face to face” and “eye to eye” with Bernardo near the killer’s cell, the correctional service says its understanding is there was no “interaction” between Bernardo and delegation members.

I’m sure Caputo wouldn’t make it up but maybe he was mistaken about who he saw. It’s a point that should be clarified but, despite the video’s possible inaccuracies, Caputo raises some good questions. While he says he supports the objective of rehabilitation for prisoners, murderers shouldn’t be pampered with “campus-like” settings and rec facilities.

And, he says, the government’s arm’s length relationship from the prison service shouldn’t necessarily be changed but policies on how criminals are assigned to prisons should be.

Bottom line is, I think I’m safe in saying most Canadians don’t want the likes of Bernardo and Magnotta anywhere but in maximum security.

All this is legitimate for Caputo to bring to our attention; melodramatic Hollywood-style videos are just political bluster.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.