Again, I wish I could give you a clear and precise answer to that. Let me start with the question of Canada's reputation.
I think that is something this committee should be concerned about. I wouldn't want to suggest at all that because we haven't ratified the optional protocol to the torture convention, we're suddenly now viewed within UN circles as a bad guy when it comes to human rights. I don't think that's the case at all. We've got way too strong a track record, and we are continuing to do very positive things at the international level.
I do think, though, there's a sense of disappointment at the international level because of the role Canada has played, because of the fact, as I said, that we generally really seek to lead on initiatives of this sort and not be a nation that comes following much later down the road. Everyone knows we need all the more leadership on the international level. We can't risk having any leadership diminish.
With respect to why it's taking so long, again, I can't give you a concrete answer to that because I don't have access to the progress of all of those discussions. But I think your question about political leadership, direction, and guidance is an important one.
I don't think we've seen that. I know through my own engagement I've had with various ministers, federally and provincially, over the years, I often have had a sympathetic audience and lots of nodding and assurances that the matter will be raised with counterparts. I would have to say to you I've never seen anything particularly concrete come of that. I think anything that can be done to remind our political leaders in this country, federally and provincially, of the role they have to play in advancing this would be very valuable.