MacKay apologizes over Russell Williams photo in booklet
A "terrible mistake" involving the publication of convicted murderer Russell Williams's photo in a Department of National Defence booklet has prompted an apology from Ottawa.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay said he "immediately ordered the military to destroy all copies of the collected booklets" as soon as he became aware of their existence.
It's not yet known what the nature of the booklet was, or how many copies were produced or distributed.
Williams, a former decorated commander of Canadian Forces Base Trenton, is serving two life terms with no chance of parole for the brutal rapes and murders of Jessica Lloyd and Canadian Forces Cpl. Marie-France Comeau.
He pleaded guilty to 88 charges and was sentenced in October 2010.
MacKay offered his public apologies to the victims' families on Wednesday and said he also planned to follow up personally, on behalf of the entire Canadian Forces.
"I intend to call the families of Mr. Williams' two murder victims to inform them of this terrible mistake and express our most sincere apologies on behalf of the entire military family," MacKay said in his statement.
Asked for details about the booklets referred to by the minister, a media liaison for the Department of National Defence told the CBC she would look into the matter.
An investigation is underway by the department to ensure a similar incident does not happen again, MacKay said.
