'Terrible mistake': DND booklet shows Russell Williams

A picture used in a DND training booklet featured an image of killer Russell Williams on the right-hand side.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay has apologized for a Department of National Defence booklet containing a photograph of convicted murderer Russell Williams.

The professional development booklet, which was issued last month, shows a photo of Williams sitting among other members of the Armed Forces.

As news of the botched booklet spread on Wednesday, Defence Minister Peter MacKay said he was planning to call the families of Williams' two victims and offer a personal apology.

"As soon as I became aware of this booklet, I immediately ordered the military to destroy all copies of the collected booklets," MacKay said in a statement.

"This is a terrible mistake for which the Canadian Forces are truly sorry."

Williams pleaded guilty to murdering two women and attacking two more during a series of escalating break-ins in eastern Ontario more than two years ago.

The Belleville Intelligencer reported that the photo was taken on Jan. 15, 2010.

Less than a month later, Williams had been arrested.

MacKay said that he was instructing his staff to ensure the mistake would never be repeated.

"I have also instructed my officials to immediately begin an investigation to ensure it does not happen again."