Minister, a question comes to mind. Obviously, we too are concerned about firearms use. That explains why we are defending rather more staunchly than you are controlling firearms through a public registry. However, there's one thing I don't understand. It may already be the case, but what reason do we have to think that the courts will release people who have committed firearm-related offences? There are those who maintain that in 90% of the cases, bail will be denied these individuals.
The situation is similar to that when the government tabled Bill C-9 concerning conditional sentences of imprisonment. Had we listened to your predecessor, we would have gotten the impression that this was a common phenomenon throughout the system, whereas as we moved forward with our study, we came to the realization that conditional sentences of imprisonment accounted for 3% of the sentences handed down by the courts.
Therefore, when a bill is drafted, I expect that there is data to back it up. What is it about the system that you want to correct? As Minister of Justice, do you have any indications that judges are granting bail to people who have committed firearm-related offences?
You're asking us to adopt a new law. We're prepared to do so, but you have to understand that we will act with the rigour that is expected of parliamentarians. I for one believe that you're speaking in generalities this afternoon, without data to back up your statements. Unfortunately, we cannot pass legislation on that basis. I hope that down the road, your department can provide us with more information.