Justice committee  I want to build on what Mr. Boissonnault was asking you about the reverse onus provision. We're hearing a lot of different views on this. Again, Jonathan Rudin was here saying that this will have a differential impact because of this dual-charging mentality that's out there. But the law itself—and correct me if I'm wrong—says the reverse onus is triggered on a bail application if there has been a previous conviction.

Justice committee  I have another brief question on the racialized communities. We've heard a lot about those communities, but not a lot of direct evidence. One thing that was clear from Mr. Rudin's testimony was that ending the peremptory challenge model we've had for so many years would ensure better diversity of jurors and benefit the indigenous accused who are so overrepresented in our system.

Justice committee  Thank you very much.

Justice committee  Thank you.

Justice committee  I'll pass that over to Ron. I just want to make sure that the record reflects that Mr. Khadr is also a Canadian citizen, Ms. Basnicki. But your point is well taken.

Justice committee  It's a question and it's prefaced by a comment. Mr. Cooper and one of the witnesses, Ms. Basnicki, raised the Khadr matter and Mr. Cooper asked rhetorically, what the priorities of the government are. He said they seem to be a bit skewed and it makes one openly question the priorities of the government.

Justice committee  In that vein, just to continue with that thought, one aspect of this legislation that we've heard evidence on is the administration of justice offences and the rethink we're doing with respect to that. Again, you have minor breaches of conditions that don't result in danger to society but do result in, as you said, six infractions for bail, whereas the original infraction for the original crime was much more minor.

Justice committee  Thank you, everyone. The testimony we have heard has made me and my colleagues realize that the committee members are all men, except for Ms. Khalid. So it is important for us to listen to you and for you to inform us well. This week and last week, we heard testimony about the overrepresentation of indigenous persons and persons from visible minorities.

Justice committee  I'll have one comment and one question. To Ms. Smithen, I want to say a distinct thank you from me and I'm sure from many members here at this committee for being so honest and for sharing so candidly and vividly and cogently about your own personal life experience. That's the kind of testimony we want to hear, and I applaud you for giving.

Justice committee  Thank you. Can I ask Professor Sheehy or Ms. Smithen if they have a comment?

Justice committee  Perhaps I could just respond to that briefly, Mr. Chair, since this issue has been raised by Mr. Cooper. I think the record should reflect that this minister has appointed 212 people to the bench, 100 people in each of the last two years. That's more than any minister of justice in Canadian history, including every minister of justice who served in the previous government.

Justice committee  You just showed up for the food.

Justice committee  Do you have any thoughts, quickly, on the reverse onus that we heard about on bail?

Justice committee  Thank you.

Justice committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just quickly, first of all, welcome, Mr. Cowper. I'm a former Fasken's lawyer myself. Ms. Hassan and Ms. Leamon, I'm going to ask you guys a couple of questions. I take your points. We've heard a lot of sometimes competing views in the three days that we've had on this study so far, which feels like three months.