Madam Chair, since the parliamentary secretary to the minister is inquiring, I'd like to make a few important comments. Various researchers have testified that the imposition of criminal sanctions could potentially label as criminals researchers who work in the lab to advance our knowledge of science and to educate and train our future researchers.
As far as they are concerned—and I read this again last week—this new provision will alter their relationship with the world, with Parliament and with the government. The status of these individuals is now being changed.
When Agency officials drafted this amendment, were they aware that scientists might not look favourably upon the notion that their activities could possibly be deemed criminal?