Thank you for appearing before the committee, Mr. Minister.
I know you may have been somewhat forced into it, but I can see that you still came here voluntarily. I think this is a good opportunity to compare some of our differing opinions, but I am nevertheless convinced that your opinions are sincere. I want to ask you for explanations on certain topics, and you will have the opportunity to explain those opinions to us.
First of all, we have been noticing for some time now, especially in Quebec, that we will be called upon to have very long trials with juries.
Already in 2005, we had to prosecute the 321 individuals arrested during Opération Printemps 2001—basically, they were Hells Angels and their accomplices. The trial lasted a number of months. In another recent case involving fraud charges against companies associated with Norbourg, the head of the company pleaded guilty, but his five associates had a trial with jury that lasted four months.
Other charges are currently being brought in fraud cases that are expected to be very lengthy.
Does the Department of Justice have any plans to shorten the length of these prolonged trials while obviously still respecting the law as we know it?