I would just like to have 30 seconds to wrap up.
If Canada were leaning towards designating a multiple mechanism, it is probable that the mandate of some of those component parts would have to be amended. It is also important to remember that some parts of the federation do not now have a mechanism for independent visits. I am thinking here of Prince Edward Island, for example. Those gaps will obviously have to be filled.
Another item that will be very important in this context is coordinating the work to be carried out by the different component parts of the mechanism. As far as I know, Canada has never publicly questioned its support for the Optional Protocol. However, one gets the feeling that discussions on this particular issue among the various departments have not really progressed much in recent months. Given the importance of this matter and Canada's influence, we believe that must absolutely be corrected.
In closing, the APT recommends that the Sub-Committee urge the Government of Canada to sign the Optional Protocol as soon as possible and thereby signal that it intends to bring the ratification process to fruition. We also recommend that the Sub-Committee asks officials responsible for discussions on ratification to indicate to it what real progress, if any, has been made, so that we have a clear sense of the current status and of the kind of actions that will be needed to complete the process.