Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. O'Connor, as you've seen, we've asked a lot of questions about first nations, fisheries and some of the incidents that have happened over the years. It is our duty to do so.
As you said earlier, it is in the interest of Canadians to have confidence in the justice system. Regardless of the colour of their skin or their ethnic origin, Canadians have the right to have trust in a justice system that is fair and equitable and upholds the laws that are on the books.
I always say that we're not going to put a young person in prison, regardless of the colour of their skin, who goes to a convenience store and steals a chocolate bar for the first time in their life. We agree on that, we can't put such a person in prison. However, if that person, no matter who they are, graduates over time from stealing a chocolate bar to armed robbery, that's a whole other story.
In the case of fisheries, which is today's topic, what concerns me is the issue of the exception. The way you put it, I don't know if that's the right term. The fact is that, for certain groups, a person's life experiences and record will be considered, among other things. There seems to be some favouritism in the treatment of certain groups.
Do you think that has anything to do with the concept of indigenous reconciliation that the government has put forward? It's clear that we need to make those choices and have a new vision, a new way of working with those groups. On the other hand, if we start making the choices you are suggesting and the law is being violated, regardless of the person or their cultural community, don't you think that will undermine Canadians' confidence in the justice system?