Mr. Chair, I have two points. One is that the word “could“ is something that is consistent already and used within the Health of Animals Act. The second point is that we heard from numerous witnesses that one of the goals, in their eyes, that we're trying to represent is that this is an act that encourages some deterrence. That's using an oxymoron in my language, “encourages deterrence”. Leaving “could” undefined, yes, it provides a lower standard, but it certainly enhances the deterrence aspect of this bill. I would think that should be important in our thinking here.
On June 17th, 2021. See this statement in context.