Thank you.
I would like to comment on what was just said, as I did not have an opportunity to respond earlier. Like others, I am not here because of allegiance to any particular political party. Whoever the sponsor of this bill may be—the Conservative Party, the NDP or any other—I am here because of certain experiences, and this bill is of critical importance to many parents. It's even a principle. I understand the concern; I do understand.
I have said something publicly several times: will the parents, brother or sister of the person who kidnapped my child automatically be categorized? I would just like to give an opinion on that. Let's take the case of someone who commits a crime like that. A minor may have committed a crime, but the parent never stops being a parent, and there are things that have happened and continue to happen in society that are far less acceptable than that. I think we are all here to pass legislation and talk about issues. That is how I see it.
When someone is arrested involving the case of my daughter or someone else, I don't think we will tell the parents that they're responsible. Neither the father nor the mother are responsible. They themselves will be confronted with a tragedy that they should not have to face. That's my opinion. Helping the parents whose child committed a crime, perhaps… How can we amend legislation if that is the reason?
It's important not to forget the real focus of this bill, which is extremely important for the victims. Make whatever changes you feel are necessary; try to reach consensus. Without wanting to necessarily, I am probably reflecting the views of many other parents, but that is what I believe. It's important. We are often asked to try and put ourselves in someone's else shoes. Well, if you were to experience what many parents have experienced, you would probably end up saying the same things we have been saying to you. As citizens, this is what we are asking of you.