Mr. Chairman, our job entails taking very seriously the testimony presented by the witnesses. The members of the Bloc Québécois had some reservations initially. We voiced our concerns about Bill C-35 on second reading of the bill in the House. In our opinion, the reverse onus provision was risky from the standpoint of procedural fairness and in terms of the principles of the administration of justice.
However, after hearing from witnesses, the Bloc Québécois plans to support the bill because we now realize that it corresponds to current practices. Even though the government's plans could prove risky if anyone takes advantage of the situation, the reverse onus provision corresponds to a practice that is already accepted by our justice system. I have discussed the matter with my colleagues, with Ms. Freeman, who like me also listened to the witnesses, and with my leader. Therefore—and I mention this to the government as a fine example of cooperation—we will be supporting the bill, which is not to say that you should assume anything about where we stand on issues in the future. That goes without saying.
When witnesses and even defence attorneys agree on the bill, then it is time for us to rethink our position.