Thank you kindly, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, as well, commissioner.
I am going to get right to the crux of the matter. As you know, we are studying the execution of part XVII of the Criminal Code. A number of witnesses have told us that the judge has an obligation to advise the accused of their rights. But because the obligation isn't of an official or personal nature, it gives rise to certain problems. In fact, in 2002, the Department of Justice conducted a study that revealed a problem in that respect.
I am going to ask you something I have asked many of our witnesses. In order to improve the way that part XVII of the Criminal Code is administered, should the judge have a personal obligation to advise the accused of their language rights at the time of their appearance?