Thank you.
There were several comments there I'd like to respond to. I appreciate the question.
Yes, the Quebec Bar is concerned about the integrity of the system. Of course, the Quebec Bar, like I think every group that has appeared before you, is also concerned about protecting the security of Canadians. However, this bill has nothing to do with protecting the security of Canadians. To be frank, this bill totally misses the mark. It has practically nothing to do with protecting Canada from smugglers or criminals, as you allege. It has nothing to do with keeping refugee children safe on boats. It is entirely about preventing refugees from coming to Canada and, once they're here, punishing them, that is, punishing refugees and permanent residents for being in Canada and for coming to Canada as a place of refuge.
To answer your question about the position of the Quebec Bar, the Quebec Bar agrees with the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and human rights groups across the country that this bill is so inimical to human rights and refugee protection that the only proper way to deal with this bill is to withdraw it.