Thank you, Mr. Hangar.
First, on a point of clarification, I heard a reference to there being no minimum penalties prior to 1996. I note that section 85 of the code, on the use of a firearm in the commission of an indictable offence, was used for offences such as robbery and attempted murder, and there was a one-year minimum penalty. I only note that for the committee's clarification.
I have a few questions and need clarification to help give guidance to the committee in looking at this.
One suggestion has been made by some that minimum penalties cause greater delays, which result in greater court backlogs. Is there any evidence through your research that would support such a suggestion?