There is a substantial amount of commentary pointing out that in general the higher the penalty, the greater the deterrent. There are studies that demonstrate that our current penalties are inadequate. The minimums proposed through Bill C-16 are part of an overall scheme aimed at giving guideposts to the judiciary and signalling that higher penalties are more appropriate for these offences. They're to be read in conjunction with aggravating factors, purpose clauses, and first principles that serve to establish the need for raising penalty amounts.
