Mr. Chair, there's a real concern and question hanging over this. We've heard from witnesses warning us that this measure is unconstitutional. We've also received a written submission from the Canadian Bar Association, which stated:
The right to an in-person hearing before the Board is critical to the integrity and transparency of the parole process....
In our view, the proposed amendment will violate s. 7 of the Charter, namely, that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.” ... This cannot be demonstrably justified as a reasonable limit on a constitutional right.
Once again, Mr. Chair, that is from the Canadian Bar Association, warning us that what we're about to pass is in fact unconstitutional.